Business as usual for Linnets

King's Lynn caretaker boss Shaun Carey promises 'business as usual' in today's high profile FA Cup first round tie at Bishop's Stortford.

Carey insists the post-Tommy Taylor era can begin in positive fashion following Taylor's shock departure within minutes of last weekend's FA Trophy win at Leyton.

The former Republic U21 international and experienced defender Dean West have adopted a simple philosophy during the build up to Lynn's biggest date in nearly a decade - 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

“The attitude has been brilliant this week, we look really sharp and I have full confidence in them,” said Carey. “Everyone's fit, everyone knows their jobs and the run we are on you could almost say the team picks itself.

“Both myself and Westy have spoken to the lads and the message was really to just focus on this one game.

“I'll tell them to go and enjoy it because that's when we play our best football. Even when Tommy was here Westy and Sam McMahon took a lot of the training. Tommy would only get involved if we were doing a bit on shape and what have you, so in that respect nothing has changed.”

Carey, who hinted strongly yesterday that he may be hoping to throw his hat into the ring for Taylor's job on a permanent basis, feels Lynn need only rewind the tape to the previous round's Hucknall destruction for the key to beating the Blues.

“To be honest there isn't that big a gap between the two leagues,” he said. “Hucknall were at the same level and we played them off the park. They came and were direct, we coped defensively and then showed our quality. I know going away from home is different but the majority of our players have been in the football league and they know the game.

“The main difference you find the higher up you go is the organisational side of things. Team are better drilled when it comes to set pieces and so on.”

Alex Notman (foot) and Adam Smith (stomach) return to the squad after missing Taylor's last hurrah.

Skipper Mark Warren and Matt Nolan trained on Thursday after shaking off minor knocks.

Midfielder Steve Melton is cup tied but Carey has resisted the temptation to draft in Greg Crane.

“We spoke about it, but he's only had two reserve outings in about ten weeks,” he said. “Craney really needs to get some match fitness and it would be a big step up. It's too much to ask but the news on the other lads is pleasing because we'll need our best players.”

Lynn's caretaker boss plans to patrol his new territory on the touchlines with a relative air of calm.

“No, I don't think they'll be any confrontations with the other manager - not with my leg the way it is,” he said.

“If I feel the lads are not doing something right in the game, maybe not pressing the play or what have you, then I'll let them know. That's how I am as a player on the pitch so I don't see any reason to change.

“We've got some good experienced guys who can be leaders on the pitch. Judging by how they've trained I don't think we'll suffer from any nerves.

“There's a lot of other things in life to feel pressured about. We just need to keep it simple. The main thing is to match Stortford in the battle. If it comes down to football we can beat anyone on our day.”

On the managerial position Carey, who has injury which is expected to rule him out of playing for the rest of the season, added: “I haven't really sat down with the chairman and spoken about. But coaching is an area I would like to get into.”

Stortford boss Martin Hayes has doubts over winger Ashley Fuller (hamstring) and defender Paul Goodacre (ankle). Southend loanee Charles Ademeno (foot) is ruled out.

King's Lynn (from): Marshall, Higgs, West, Smith, Warren, Cooper, Camm, McMahon, C Defty, Notman, J Defty, Nolan, Frew, O'Halloran, Norris, Harvey, Gaughran.