King's Lynn chairman Ken Bobbins has revealed the club has thrashed out a deal to keep former Norwich midfielder Shaun Carey. Bobbins held weekend talks at his home with the ex-Republic U21 international and representative Neil Featherby.

King's Lynn chairman Ken Bobbins has revealed the club has thrashed out a deal to keep former Norwich midfielder Shaun Carey.

Bobbins held weekend talks at his home with the ex-Republic U21 international and representative Neil Featherby.

The Linnets chief also confirmed the club is in advanced discussions with coveted striker Matt Nolan - currently interesting Nationwide South newcomers Bedford.

“I spoke directly with Shaun and he has agreed to commit his future to King's Lynn which is really good news,” said Bobbins. “He's a hell of an asset and we have worked out a package which is within the budget given to Tommy (Taylor) for next season.

“Shaun had been based in Chester but his wife is expecting a baby and they want to settle back in Norfolk. He's now in the process of selling his house up there and moving permanently to the Norwich area late August or early September. He really enjoyed last season and wants to stay on board.

“The club is in deep negotiations with Matt and his advisor. I've put a proposition to them and expect a response in the next day or two. From a purely playing point of view I don't think Matt would view the Nationwide South as a major step up. We've put a healthy financial deal together and we very much want him to stay.”

Bobbins dismisses any suggestion Taylor has been forced to plot a Southern Premier promotion push on the cheap.

“Tommy's budget is certainly no less than last season - overall it's slightly largely,” he said. “That impression may have come from the fact we had a sponsor for Shaun Carey. The fact is we have other sponsors and if we get anymore coming in that money will be used to strengthen the playing staff over and above the budget set for Tommy.

“What I would like to do is even out what the players get paid rather than have large disparities because I don't feel that is in the club's interests. Any money generated is fed back into the playing staff or on overheads. This year we have ten trips to the Bristol area so we will continue to go and stay overnight before games.

“The results spoke for themselves last season - not only on the pitch but in giving the lads time to bond and build a team spirit.

“If we are going well after three months or have a decent cup run we will look at further strengthening. But I stress again - we don't put that income into our budget planning. Anything we get from those sources is treated as bonus money.”

Bobbins insists the club is right to scour the entire non league pyramid in an bid to assemble a promotion-challenging squad.

“I really think we can do something good this coming year,” he said. “We are looking everywhere to try and strengthen the overall squad. Whether Matt Nolan stays or goes we've got to find a quality striker - that is no disrespect to the lads already at the club. For the same reason if we can bring in a left back and centre half it allows Tommy to push Adam Smith and Mark Camm further forward.”

Club officials have arranged two further pre-season friendlies. Lynn will host Peterborough United on Thursday, July 20. Tommy Taylor's side will travel to former Southern Premier rivals Grantham in their final warm-up match on Saturday, August 12.