Paddy Davitt King's Lynn Town operations manager Jonathan Chapman revealed last night his family had already pumped �150,000 into the new club. Chapman told the latest fans' forum they had increased their initial �100,000 investment ahead of the United Counties outfit's non league return.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn Town operations manager Jonathan Chapman revealed last night his family had already pumped �150,000 into the new club.

Chapman told the latest fans' forum they had increased their initial �100,000 investment ahead of the United Counties outfit's non league return. The Borough Council has also matched that sum to fund an ambitious renovation project which will bring The Walks stadium up to Conference standard.

“When we were finally given the go-ahead to begin work on the stadium we sat down and agreed we had underestimated how fantastic this place can be,” said Chapman, pictured. “The stadium had fallen behind on a lot of things and the council had set aside money to carry out that work, which was critical, but we re-evaluated it and saw the potential for the future. So far we have put around �150,000 of our own money into it.

“We have taken this project to our hearts - much more than we probably felt we would do initially. The council have put in �150,000 as well but you have to remember when the Main Stand roof was renovated previously that cost �350,000. It gives you a scale of the cost involved because we have a 1,200 seat grandstand, 80 metres long. Nothing is cheap to do - just to run one pipe from one end to the other you are looking at �500 or �600.”

Chapman also unveiled plans for live televised coverage of home games, available on big screens in hospitality areas of the stadium.

“When you go into the bar or the cafeteria or if you are lucky enough to be a President's club member we are going to have 42 inch plasma television screens in all of them,” he said. “The game will be shown live and the idea behind that is we just want to improve the whole matchday experience. Maybe in the winter if you are in two minds about coming to a game, this sort of thing will make you think again.”

The Linnets officially begin their new era at The Walks against a Norwich City XI on Tuesday, July 13. Chairman Buster Chapman announced plans for a free ticket offer which will entitle everyone who attends the opening Canaries' fixture free entry to the next friendly against Great Yarmouth on Tuesday, July 20.

“This really is an exciting time for the club and the town so I thought this offer would be a great way to celebrate the re-opening of the club,” he said. “This should be a great occasion and I am sure the fans will really enjoy themselves, most of all I hope everyone who comes leaves us knowing the club has a bright future ahead of it and are proud to support the Linnets.”

Tickets officially go on sale today for the Norwich City friendly and can be purchased via the club's official website, kltown.co.uk, or from the new Walks ticket office on Saturday, July 10 (10am to 4pm) or prior to kick off on July 13 (from 6pm).