King's Lynn boss Keith Webb has targeted former Norwich keeper Paul Crichton.The 38-year-old was released by Conference National Cambridge United last week after a successful loan spell at The Walks earlier in the season.

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb has targeted former Norwich keeper Paul Crichton.

The 38-year-old was released by Conference National Cambridge United last week after a successful loan spell at The Walks earlier in the season.

Webb is also keen to retain the services of former Scottish U21 stopper Scott Howie as he re-moulds his squad following the club's Southern League, Premier Division play off agony.

The Linnets' chief watched Kettering's Nationwide North play-off semi-final defeat on Saturday after confirming the departures of keeper Shaun Marshall, defender Louis Blois and midfielder Jamie Gould.

“I am in talks with Paul at the moment,” said Webb. “We've just got to wait and see. I've spoken to Scott as well to see what his thoughts are. He is in the process of setting up a business and has to think about work commitments. He did indicate he might be interested in staying but there are a lot of other factors to be taken into account.

“Because I'm trying to bring in another keeper I just felt with Shaun Marshall he wouldn't be happy to stay around as a number two. Rather than mess the boy about it gives him a chance to sort himself out at the start of the summer.

“It was the same with the other two lads. They've all done well for the club but I just feel we have the nucleus of a good squad and I want to add two or three who can make us better.”

Webb has already tied down six of his frontline troops after Steve Melton plus Jack and Charlie Defty agreed terms for next season alongside Mark Camm and contracted duo Danny Bloomfield and Greg Crane.

Skipper Mark Warren is next on Webb's list with talks scheduled later this week.

“I'll be sitting down with Wazza and hopefully we can get something sorted,” said Webb. “Mark has said he'd like to stay and we want to come to an agreement. It isn't straight forward because he has other priorities with his family and so on to consider.”

Webb also revealed he is in the market for a new assistant, with Shaun Carey desperate to make a playing comeback from his horrific double leg break injury against Corby seven months ago.

“Shaun won't be stepping back completely,” said Webb. “He is still a big asset to me, but his priority is to get himself fit and get on the pitch again. I'm looking around for someone who can help me in that role.”

Carey's potential return could offset the permanent departure of Andrew Fisk. The former Norwich City midfielder joined Lynn on a season long loan in December, but wants to stay in the professional ranks after his recent Carrow Road release.

“What I've said to Andy is try and get yourself sorted in the league or Conference,” said Webb.

“If he does, then great, if not give me a call and we'll look at it. With Shaun wanting to get back and the likes of Cammy, Melts and Charlie Defty I'm fairly relaxed we have adequate cover in that position.”

Webb will step up his recruitment drive after expected confirmation this week the club is set to remain in the Southern Premier following the annual non league re-structure.

“The indications are we will stay in the Southern,” he said. “When I've been told for definite then I'll know where to cast my net player-wise. I've had positive talks with the chairman and we've got players in mind.

“We'll be trying our best to get them in and my priority is two or three new faces.”