Maidstone United cash in staggering sum from lucrative FA Cup run
Maidstone boss George Elokobi says his players have already become “super heroes” - and now he wants them to help pay for a new pitch.
The FA Cup giant killers face Coventry on Monday night in the fifth round and they reckon their total income from their incredible cup run could hit £600,000. That is made up of TV cash, FA prize money and also the knock-on effect of more fans, commercial deals and interest around the National League South club.
Elokobi became a national hero himself after they knocked out Ipswich in the last round and the sixth tier club are now reaping the rewards which can help transform the club. They want to relay their current 3G pitch at their Gallagher Stadium and also hope it can improve other aspects of the ground and lay long term foundations for the club.
Former Wolves hero Elokobi said: “The players are local heroes already, they are superheroes in the eyes of our supporters because we are history makers already. “It gives me goose bumps already thinking about the enormity of the situation and now we can also provide a lasting legacy for the club and the whole community.
“We might be able to lay a new pitch and put down new turf which is something for the whole area, although it’s for the owners to decide.”
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He added: “ The FA Cup is so special, it’s massive for all clubs and what’s not to like? It is a great competition that we have loved and hopefully we can have another great day on Monday.” Maidstone have already won seven FA Cup ties which is more than the eventual winners are likely to play as the Premier League big guns came in at the third round.
Maidstone boss George Elokobi (C) has inspired his side to several upsets (Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)Non-league Maidstone entered at the second round qualifying and earned £3,375 in prize money for going through, £5,625 for the next, then £9,375. The first round proper saw them earn £41,000, then £67,000, £105,000 for winning the third round tie with Stevenage and a whopping £120,000 for knocking out Ipswich. They would get £225,000 for putting out Coventry.
They did £5,000 for overseas rights for their second round tie with Barrow, they got £110,000 for being shown live on the BBC against Ipswich and will pocket £125,000 for their Coventry clash. That is a grand total of £491,375 already earned through prize money and TV cash but they could earn more for their biggest upset to date plus they are reaping the benefits of the global interest in the club.
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