King's Lynn's director of football Neil Featherby says the club's impending FA appeal to avoid Conference demotion will have a major bearing on the club's managerial search.

King's Lynn's director of football Neil Featherby says the club's impending FA appeal to avoid Conference demotion will have a major bearing on the club's managerial search.

Chairman Ken Bobbins held positive talks with council officials this week ahead of Lynn's bid to overturn a Conference ruling to demote thm after failing to undertake a �250,000 upgrade to the council-owned Walks.

Featherby revealed he had already spoken to potential candidates following Keith Webb's departure - but reiterated no decision would be taken until after next month's Soho Square hearing.

“It's not on the backburner because the way football is before you know it pre-season will have come around again,” he said. “But by the same token anyone who may be interested wants to know what the situation is in terms of the outcome of the appeal and what league we play in. Hopefully it will be in the Conference. If not, then are we in the Northern Premier or even the Southern Premier which has a major bearing moving forward.

“I've had calls and I'm sure other people have had calls with regard to what the situation is at the minute. At this moment in time we're not in a position to do anything other than to tell them their name and number has been noted. Despite all that is going on this club is big enough to attract many applications.”

Featherby insists Lynn's hierarchy have an open mind at this early stage regarding a successful candidate.

“I think we need someone who has experience of non league and football at a higher level,” he said. “We want to appoint a guy with a lot of hunger and desire. A strong character who is prepared to get their head down and do what it takes, through what will inevitably be many frustrations. With regards to managerial experience I'm sure we'll get many applying who possess that and perhaps those who haven't, but I don't think that is a necessity.”

Featherby has spoken at length with the club's senior players regarding the on-going uncertainty following Webb's weekend exit.

“A lot of the current squad has been in contact to assess what is the situation,” he said. “I feel for Keith because at one stage he was probably looking at how he could push us on in the Conference next season. What happened this year must have been a kick in the teeth for him.

“Whatever the outcome of the appeal, come next August this club will be playing football at a decent level. If we are relegated then there is no point moping about it - we need to get on with it.