Paddy Davitt King's Lynn Town's new era officially begins today at neighbours Long Sutton Athletic in their opening pre-season friendly.Linnets' joint boss Kevin Boon admits a trip to the Peterborough League outfit heralds a fresh start after the former club folded last year over an unpaid tax bill and mounting debts.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn Town's new era officially begins today at neighbours Long Sutton Athletic in their opening pre-season friendly.

Linnets' joint boss Kevin Boon admits a trip to the Peterborough League outfit heralds a fresh start after the former club folded last year over an unpaid tax bill and mounting debts.

“It's a great day for King's Lynn Town,” said Boon. “Unfortunately it was a shame the original Ely fixture fell through but we have to say a big thanks to Long Sutton for agreeing to play us at short notice. Of course we want to be on the right side of the results during pre-season but the most important thing is to be ready come the start of the league - but there is no doubt this is a big day for the club.

“For us, all the friendlies are purely about match practice. The lads have been working hard in training so we need to use the whole squad and give them all a chance over these games. None of those players as a group have played together so it will take time to gel and get that understanding. We will need to look at different players and different formations and you can expect some chopping and changing.”

Boon insists the early signs are positive under the guidance of joint boss Gary Setchell's coaching drills.

“Setch has done a fantastic job,” said Boon. “I've spoken to one or two of the boys like Spriggsy (Steve Spriggs) and Martin McNeill after the sessions and they have really enjoyed them. He has worked under people like Brian Talbot at Rusden & Diamonds and he is really going about it in a professional manner with plenty of help and assistance from our coaching team.

“One or two of the boys have got sore feet from the hard pitches so we'll assess them and obviously the heat at this present time is something we also have to take on board with things like blisters and so on. Robbie Harris is on holiday but we're confident all the other lads will feature.”

Lynn's preparations for their United Counties League bow have also been boosted by a five figure tie up with Brittons Estate Agents for the new season. Club chief executive Keith Chapman also revealed officials are in advanced talks with a potential second tier sponsor ahead of the new playing strip going on sale later this month.

“We had quite a few parties interested in becoming the top tier sponsor but when I met up with the Brittons I instantly knew this was the right thing for both parties,” he said. “Everything they have done with their business and how they have built it up is a very similar story to my own and I believe that they will be part of this club for a very long time.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside the club for the benefit of our clients, the work that has been done at the club is immense and the new private suites will be a great place to entertain our current customers and network with new ones.”

Brittons' managing director Kathy Britton was delighted to agree the deal which will see her company featured on the first team's shirts and tracksuits.

“We feel extremely proud to be part of such an exciting new era,” she said. “It's the first time in our 20 year history that we have sponsored any local sporting team, but our business has grown steadily to become the number one estate and letting agent in King's Lynn and we feel that this commitment to the club and the community will help us cement that position.”

Read Lynn Town club official Mark Hearle's exclusive latest column only on edp24.co.uk/sport.