Paddy Davitt Lynn FC officials plan a Ridgeons League charm offensive ahead of next season's re-launch.The Linnets have already petitioned the FA leagues' committee but must also get approval from Ridgeons member clubs to start life in the Premier Division for 2010/11.

Paddy Davitt

Lynn FC officials plan a Ridgeons League charm offensive ahead of next season's re-launch.

The Linnets have already petitioned the FA leagues' committee but must also get approval from Ridgeons member clubs to start life in the Premier Division for 2010/11.

Official spokesman Mark Hearle confirmed yesterday the newly-formed club will step up their campaign following a scheduled FA meeting next month.

“We feel the onus is on us to get the message out about who we are and what we are all about,” he said.

“We want to be part of the Ridgeons League - that is our preferred option - and we aim to speak to as many clubs we can in person by getting around the grounds before the end of this season.

“It's far from certain that we will be placed in the Ridgeons Premier. The FA will state their position in February but we don't expect any final decision to be ratified until after the Ridgeons' annual meeting in the summer.

“We are writing to all the clubs and we also feel it's appropriate to canvass support and press the flesh if you like.

“We're a new club but we understand the perception that we might be associated with previous regimes, given we are still playing at The Walks.

“Clearly with our Reserves also dropping out of the Ridgeons Premier midway through the current season that has had a knock-on effect and I fully appreciate there may be one or two other historical differences with certain clubs.”

Lynn FC secretary Martin Davis has held positive talks with Ridgeons counterpart Nigel Spurling but Hearle revealed they also plan to sound out the United Counties League.

“It is a fall back option and something we can't rule out,” he said. “The Ridgeons is our preferred option although being placed in Division One would be difficult as then you are not eligible to enter the FA Cup.

“Martin is in regular discussions with Nigel Spurling at the Ridgeons and they have been helpful over various issues so that is a dialogue we will look to continue. It isn't about us flying through that league and being it in for just one season.

“Of course we want to try and progress and get back up the non league structure but we also understand there is an obligation to play a full part in the league.

“I'm sure from a financial point-of-view other clubs would welcome any potential derbies.

“We have a large fan base which has had to travel long distances in recent seasons and it would clearly be a huge bonus to be more much locally-based.”

Hearle confirmed the new club - launched after speedway boss Buster Chapman was awarded a lease on the council-owned stadium - plans to hold its first regular fans' forum next month.

“We'll perhaps look to tie that in with any news from the FA but it's likely to be around the middle to the end of February,” he said.

“All the backroom staff met last week and it was a very positive initial meeting. Buster has been criticised for his lack of football knowledge and that is something he has been very candid about himself, but we worked out there was more than 100 years of football experience in the room in a variety of different roles.”