Paddy Davitt King's Lynn boss Keith Webb is confident he has the firepower to sink Stafford in today's Blue Square North test at The Walks following master poacher Danny Bloomfield's exit.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb is confident he has the firepower to sink Stafford in today's Blue Square North test at The Walks following master poacher Danny Bloomfield's exit.

The 26-year-old's third spell at The Walks ended yesterday after Webb agreed to release the former Norwich City trainee.

Bloomfield has plundered 78 goals in 168 appearances for the club dating back to November 2001 but the striker had failed to cement a place in Webb's starting line up this season.

The Suffolk-based hitman signed off his goal account with an FA Cup winner against Worksop in September - and the best wishes of his ex-Linnets' chief.

"He just came to me, we had a chat, and it was all very amicable," said Webb. "At his age and at this stage of his career I can understand he just wants to play regular football. I couldn't give him that - particularly as we are looking to strengthen the squad further.

"To be fair, that didn't come into it, I just couldn't fetch him all round the country with the travelling that is involved for him to sit on the bench. He was in the side during the early part of the season so that wasn't an issue but with a young family it's tough.

"I'd rather we came to this decision now than let it drag on and maybe he starts to resent me or gets bitter about it. Now he can get himself fixed up. This is in the interests of both parties."

Webb faces a striking dilemma of a different kind with the return of Jack Defty after a three game ban for the visit of Steve Bull's Rangers - Michael Frew and Julian Joachim firing five goals in Defty's absence.

Adam Smith and Joe Francis also return after recent injuries. Greg Crane is suspended after being an unused substitute in last week's FA Trophy win over the Black Country outfit.

"This will be a completely different game," said Webb. "They will have one or two players back and in my experience when you play a side so close together anything can happen. I felt we did well last week apart from conceding either side of the break. The first was a world class goal but I saw enough signs defensively that we are getting to grips with things.

"Jack coming back is a nice problem to have. I would tend to favour giving the lads who have done the business the shirt as they are in possession but it's something I'll ponder and speak to Lee (Glover) before making a final decision."

Webb stepped up his search this week for new recruits to bolster the club's play-off push.

"People tell me we need this 6ft plus striker who is quick, scores goals and has a touch like silk," he said. "Those players cost big money and if they are doing the business for teams now then they are not going to come cheap. The other side of that of course is if they aren't in the team then there must be a reason.

"I've spoken to managers in the Football League, spoken to chief scouts and assistants at the top end of the non league game but players who might be available don't want to drop down. It's trying to convince them because invariably they are full-time. I spoke to Stevenage about two midfielders and they are on double the money anything my lads are on here at the moment."

Lynn's boss insists his priority is quality not quantity.

"I can go out and get players - not a problem," he said. "I've looked at the lower levels. The Ridgeons, the Unibond Premier, the Southern League and they are just not out there. It's a case of plugging away. If you look at the current financial situation in the country and see teams who have dropped out of cup competitions we might be able to find one or two players who are perhaps too expensive for their clubs now. Hopefully we can pick something up."

Rangers' chief Bull is poised to abandon his cautious approach ahead of take two at The Walks.

"Yes, there will be two strikers for us at Kings Lynn," he said. "Now I have the players to do that, I will. Whether that will be with four or five in midfield, I am not sure yet. The options that I have compared to last Saturday are much better.

"The game at Kings Lynn takes on a different proposition now. It is a middle-of-the-table clash, where we can really move away from the pack if we win and start challenging. I have stated all along that, with everybody fit and available, we are capable of a play-off place."

Club officials have confirmed a minute's silence will take place prior to today's game in memory of long standing supporter John Saffer who recently passed away.

Read Mark Hearle's exclusive behind-the-scenes club column every Thursday only on edp24.co.uk/kingslynn