Ipswich Town: George Elokobi praises Blues after FA Cup draw

The Stones will travel to Portman Road at the end of the month as the lowest-ranked side in the competition, currently sitting fifth in the Vanarama National League South.

Some Maidstone supporters were understandably upset that they didn't draw a top Premier League side, having started their FA Cup campaign in the fourth qualifying round, but Elokobi has been quick to stress that a trip to Suffolk will be a hugely memorable experience for everyone associated with the semi-professional outfit.

“Ipswich is a fantastic club - it’s a huge club,” Elokobi said via Kent Online.

“In my opinion, they’re a Premier League club to be and rightly so.

“They’re playing incredible football under their management and we have to go there and enjoy the occasion and make sure we showcase ourselves and bring the Maidstone that everyone’s been watching and admiring.

“I’m sure the Ipswich fans will welcome us. It’s a fantastic FA Cup match for us.

Maidstone United beat Stevenage to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup (Image: PA)

“It’s going to be an amazing occasion for our group of players who have got us this far.

“The magic of the FA Cup and the dream is still very much alive here.

“In our preparations we’re going to be showing Ipswich every bit of respect leading towards that game.

“We’ll be ready to go out there and compete against a Championship team who are really well equipped to get into the Premier League.

“It’s important we understand the fanbase they’ve got and they’re flying high in the Championship.

“They’re on the up and it’s important we go there and enjoy the occasion.

“I’m sure we’re going to take a few thousand there ourselves to make sure it’s a great occasion for our football club.

“It’s going to be a fantastic day and a fantastic occasion for us all to celebrate.”

Portman Road isn't an unfamiliar venue for Elokobi, who started his professional career at Colchester United in 2004.

Elokobi worked under former Town boss Mick McCarty during his time at Wolves (Image: PA Images)

However, one of the toughest moments of his playing career came when Wolves visited IP1 in August 2008. He suffered a serious injury just weeks after moving to Molineux, ruling him out for the entire campaign.

“I’ve mixed memories because in 2008/2009 I dislocated my knee and that kept me out for a long time," Elokobi revealed. "That happened at Portman Road.

“It was a local derby when I used to play at Colchester and I’m sure some stick will come my way for that because I used to be fierce against their wingers.

“But I’ve got fond memories playing against Ipswich and it’s a stadium I know really well.

“I’m going to make sure our players understand they are going into such a beautiful environment and the stadium itself and the fanbase are huge.”