Lynn sign defender Spencer

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn assistant manager Andy Johnson admitted last night the club's Unibond Premier Division squad is a work in progress.

Brackley's versatile defender Danny Spencer moved to The Walks on the same day Lynn released ex-Aston Villa academy youngster Phil Green.

Spencer impressed against Lynn in a feisty pre-season friendly that ended with both teams calling a halt to proceedings early after Jordan Smith had been red carded for tangling with the 27-year-old.

“He did well against us in that game and the opportunity has come up for us to take him,” said Johnson. “That's what we have decided to do. We're just trying to bring good players to the club. He is a bit older than some of the lads we've brought in but age is not really an issue. We want players who we think can help us win football matches and he can also play up front which is unusual in this day and age for a defender. He certainly gives us another option.”

Attacking wide player Green had been restricted to a bit part role in the opening weeks of the campaign as he struggled for fitness following a long term injury lay off.

“Greeny came in but it hasn't quite worked for him,” said Johnson. “It's a shame because he is a great lad and a great character in and around the dressing room. We just felt he wouldn't play much of a part this season. We said we'd help him find another club and we did straight away by getting him into Redditch which frees up a bit of money for us.

“That is the way you have to do it at this level of football. You need to move players on to bring others in. We're always on the look out for good players who can strengthen the squad and ideally we'd like another striker, probably a midfielder and defender. If players become available we'll have a look.”

Johnson has now challenged the rest Lynn's youthful squad to learn fast if they want to make a serious impact this season. Carl Heggs' team have been held to three consecutive 1-1 league draws ahead of this weekend's trip to Guiseley.

“It's frustrating to have played teams and battered them and end up drawing games,” he said. “I've told the lads we have to be patient, especially at home when teams pull everyone behind the ball and make it hard for us to break them down. Then when we go a goal up, like on Monday, we have to grow up a little bit. I don't mean in age but in terms of being less na�ve. We go 1-0 up with minutes left and we're putting corners into the box for the keeper to come and catch. They are things we can work on in training to iron out a couple of creases.”