Paddy Davitt King's Lynn's new hitman Julian Joachim is on a mission to fire the club into the Blue Square Premier. The 33-year-old ex-Premiership star insists he is hungry for fresh success after moving to The Walks in the non league coup of the summer.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn's new hitman Julian Joachim is on a mission to fire the club into the Blue Square Premier.

The 33-year-old ex-Premiership star insists he is hungry for fresh success after moving to The Walks in the non league coup of the summer.

Joachim turned down two contract offers to stay in the Football League following his release from League Two losing play off semi finalists Darlington.

Lincoln failed with a bid for Darlo's record transfer signing last season who has notched more than 60 top flight goals for Leicester, Aston Villa and Coventry.

The Boston-based striker admitted he is looking forward to linking up with Keith Webb's ambitious squad when he officially joins the club on Tuesday.

“I hope I can come in and get them to the next level,” said Joachim. “That's what it's all about when you go to a club. It doesn't matter what division it is. It's about winning things or helping sides get promoted. I met the manager once and he told me what he wants to achieve here. I know there is a good set of lads as well so I can't wait to get started.

“King's Lynn is ideal for me because I was looking to get back closer to home. I've done all the travelling around the country in my career and I only wanted to be about an hour away from the family. I don't honestly know too much about the club or the division but I know they did well last season. That means they'll have a winning mentality which is important.

“I'd be surprised if there is a lot of difference in the level they've just come out of and the one above. With the confidence they have, they shouldn't find it a huge step.”

Joachim insists he has no fears stepping into the unknown after operating at the top end of the professional game.

“No, I'm not worried about coming out of the league,” he said. “I think the training part time will be quite good for me at this stage of my career. I've always been fit and kept myself in good shape and that isn't going to change with training two or three times a week.”

The Peterborough-born frontman admitted it was wrench to leave Darlington after a successful two year stint in the north east. Joachim was an ever-present in a deeper role during Darlo's march to last season's play offs - starting both legs of the club's semi final penalty defeat to Rochdale.

“Lynn was one of the clubs interested in me and asked me what I wanted to do this coming season,” he said. “It really depended on the situation at Darlington. They had another year option on me so I had to wait and see.

“They've been force to make cut backs, the budget has been slashed and there's only one or two players left there out of 12 who were going to be out of contract. They let me go on a free. Don't get me wrong, I'm still confident I could play in the league but I quite like the opportunity to come in and help this club try to progress.

“We got very close in the play offs last season with Darlington. We started the season well and then hit a bad patch just after Christmas. I feel without that we would have got promoted. It's a real hard division. You play a lot of games and it's very, very competitive. They've got a good set of lads but have probably lost nine or ten of the squad. I'm sure the manager will bring in new faces so you never know. They could give it another go.”

Joachim is now totally focussed on his fledging Linnets' career - but refuses to look beyond the new season.

“I want to play as long as I can,” he said. “When I spoke to King's Lynn and other clubs I made it clear I wasn't going to sign for more than a year. I just want to see how I feel and make a decision. If I feel good then maybe I'll have another year. My legs feel fit and I can still get around the park but once I finish that will be it with the football. I won't be going into coaching or anything like that.”

The club will hold a supporters' forum prior to their Blue Square North debut campaign on Thursday, July 17 (7pm) in the Blue & Gold clubroom situated underneath the Main Stand at The Walks.