We're in it for the long haul - Boon

Paddy Davitt

Lynn FC director of football Kevin Boon insists his club is ready to make a long term commitment to the Ridgeons League.

The reformed Linnets need to canvas support from member clubs of the Eastern Counties set-up in order to be accepted into the Premier Division for 2010/11.

Boon admits Lynn FC face a battle to win over some of their neighbours but reiterates Norfolk's biggest non-league outpost has learned lessons from the past.

“We want to be a part of the Ridgeons,” he said. “Not just for a season or two but we want to try and set down proper roots. We will have the same budget next year as the top four or five clubs so there are no quick fixes or spending beyond our means. I can assure everyone we'll only spend what we have and we won't go down the route of previous years.

“I was at Dereham the other day and their chairman Simon Barnes told me to my face they want us in Division One. I have no problem with that - it's his opinion and I respect that. We played against each other and managed teams against each other and I understand some clubs do not want us to start off in the Premier.

“Of course we want to progress but if we could establish ourselves at a higher level then I know we would be very keen to try and do something along the lines of what a Team Bury or CRC have done and have a team affiliated to King's Lynn in the Ridgeons for the longer term.”

Boon allayed fears the FA could place Lynn FC even further down the football pyramid next season after confirming he personally complied with FA rules on reforming a club following the demise of the previous incarnation.

“We indicated our intention to the FA through a solicitor and it was within their timeframe,” said Boon. “We're a reformed club, rather than a new club, and under FA guidelines they can place us two levels lower than the last team. That would be the Ridgeons Premier but whatever they indicate it's for the member clubs to then decide.

“We want to have the opportunity to compete in not just the FA Vase but the Norfolk Senior Cup. They are two prestigious competitions with fantastic history played at great venues and I'm sure it would reflect well on Norfolk football to have a club go a very long way in the FA Vase.

“I just feel we've rightly been regarded as Norfolk's biggest non league club in the recent past and that should be taken into consideration in any final decision.”

Boon would, however, consider a switch to the Peterborough-based United Counties League.

“We'll look at that as another option,” he said. “For the simple reason I think we could potentially stay within the southern part of the non-league structure which would be important to us moving forward.

“But it's the same level as the Ridgeons Premier and with three clubs having applied for promotion this season and Lynn Reserves folding I would hope that we could be accepted into the Premier. If we're not able to do that then we have a decision to make, not just me, but the people at the club. It could be a catch 22 situation for us.”

Boon admits league uncertainty is an unwanted distraction to his ongoing player recruitment drive alongside joint boss Gary Setchell with no decision expected until the end of the current campaign.

“We've explained to any players we have spoken to so far there is a chance we could be in Ridgeons Division One,” he said. “It's only fair to be honest and upfront with them but in more than one case that has not been a problem. We're taking in plenty of games both midweek and on Saturdays and I don't think it will be difficult to sell the club. You just have to take them to the stadium, show them around, and tell them our plans.

“We want young players who are capable of playing one or two levels higher than the Ridgeons and we are prepared to go and look at the Peterborough, Cambridge and Norwich areas. There's also local lads currently playing at higher levels and they are another option.”