Totally committed

George Elokobi

LEE Johnson describes George Elokobi’s attitude to football as “infectious.” After 10 minutes in the Cameroonian’s company, you can understand why.

The modest, unassuming 28-year-old powerhouse is polite and quietly spoken.

But, at the same time, you are left in no doubt there is a burning desire to do his best for himself and the club he is representing. When the former Wolves defender, who had loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, signed for Athletic, SportsDirect.com Park was inundated with emails of thanks and support from fans of those previous clubs.

Elokobi, who hopes to start in defence against Middlesbrough in the first round of the Capital One Cup tonight, says the reason for his popularity is sheer hard graft and commitment.

He said: “I try to better yesterday, work hard for myself and cover every area of my game that needs working on.

“My job is to play football to the best of my ability whoever I represent, and that’s not going to change at Oldham.

“At the same time, at the clubs I have played for in the past I am sure everyone could see I wore my heart on my sleeve and every time I went out there I left everything on the pitch.

“I give 100-per-cent every single day of my life whether it be in training or in a game.

“I just want to do the best for myself first, and obviously If if do that I am sure the team is going to benefit.”

Elokobi admits he had offers to join other clubs, but was impressed by Johnson and his vision for Athletic.

He said: “The manager was a big part of it all.

“I had one or two other calls up to the last minute before I signed, but I had come here training with the lads and obviously had a good chat with the gaffer who told me where he saw the club going forward.

“Hopefully, the gaffer can help my game and that can help the lads as well.

“It’s a team game, individuals don’t win games. If we work collectively and with the quality I have seen on the training ground, hopefully we should do well this season.”

More immediately, Elokobi hopes he will get the nod for tonight’s cup game.

He said: “Everyone in the changing room has a great chance of playing and if the call comes I am ready.

“Middlesbrough are a good side. You have to respect them, a championship team, a potential Premier League club, but it’s a cup game and we have to go out there and give it our best shot.

“Hopefully, we will be in the hat for the next round.”