Paddy Davitt King's Lynn boss Keith Webb yesterday backed new recruit Julian Joachim to terrorise Blue Square North defences this season. Webb is ready to deploy the 33-year-old ex-Premiership striker in an advanced central role after Joachim operated mainly on the flanks for League Two play off semi finalists Darlington last year.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb yesterday backed new recruit Julian Joachim to terrorise Blue Square North defences this season.

Webb is ready to deploy the 33-year-old ex-Premiership striker in an advanced central role after Joachim operated mainly on the flanks for League Two play off semi finalists Darlington last year.

Lynn's title-winning squad returned for pre-season at the weekend - minus Joachim who will link up with the ambitious Walks outfit when his current Darlington deal expires on July 1.

“For me he is an out-and-out striker,” said Webb. “Julian's pace would cause any defence problems down the middle. When you've got someone like Jack (Defty) alongside him with his physical ability it's another one to throw into the mix. That's all I'm after - plenty of options.

“We haven't broken the bank to bring JJ in but no doubt it will make people sit up and take notice. We've got one or two absentees still, with holidays and what have you, but I was delighted with the attitude of the boys. It was great to get back on the training pitch.

“We'll gradually step it up now over the next fortnight. I didn't give them programmes to follow over the summer because I trust them and they're all the type of lads who would keep ticking on the fitness front. With the season we had it was important they got their rest.”

Webb is closing in on his fourth close season signing. Lynn's boss admitted he is now targeting defensive reinforcements. Cambridge United defender Gavin Hoyte made an impressive eight game loan switch towards the end of last season but Webb revealed no approach is imminent.

“Hopefully we can get another one this week,” he said. “I'm still looking in defensive areas for cover and once we get that we won't be far away in my opinion from getting the squad I want. Gavin came and did very well for us. If someone with that ability was available we would be interested. But he is currently under contract. We've known that all along and are exploring other avenues at the minute.”

Webb is prepared to run the rule over potential trialists during the club's pre-season warm up matches which begin with a trip to (S & L) Corby on July 10.

“It's something we'll bear in mind so we can see players in a match situation,” he said. “That is a good one for us to start with. I'm not looking for a battle. It's a chance for the boys to get back into the swing of it without too much pressure. Then we can look to step it up in terms of the opposition.”