George verdict set to drag on

COMMITTED: George Elokobi (right) hopes to feature for Athletic tomorrow.

THE RETURN of George Elokobi has come too late to aid a play-off challenge this season, but the centre-back is keeping his options open for next term.

The fan-assisted capture of the powerful 29-year-old defender at the start of the season brought with it smiles and goodwill between supporters and the gregarious player.

Elokobi hides his frustration well after another campaign marred by injuries, the latest of which sees him possibly returning to the bench against Sheffield United tomorrow after a two-month lay-off with a calf problem.

The Cameroon-born defender — out of contract in the summer — says that with no conversations having yet taken place regarding his future, he is simply committed to staking a place in the side again.

“There are a couple of lads in the changing room who haven’t been spoken to with the situation in hand, with us not having a permanent manager. We don’t know who is coming or going,” said Elokobi, who has made 26 appearances and scored three goals this season.

“I have enjoyed my time here but nobody knows what football may offer tomorrow.”

Elokobi last finished a match in mid-February, when even after a disappointing 1-0 home loss to Colchester, the club was in sixth place in the table.

A torn calf at Leyton Orient followed and since then the club has steadily slid away from top-six contention - though Elokobi suggests any team would have had problems with the number of injured players Athletic suffered.

“No team could stand the injuries we’ve had and it doesn’t matter who the manager is. If you are Jose Mourinho and you take out. say, seven regular starters, even he is going to struggle.”


twitter: @Matt_Chambers_