Paddy Davitt King's Lynn boss Keith Webb warned yesterday the loan capture of Crawley defender Bradley Thomas signals the start of his get tough policy. The 23-year-old agreed an initial switch from the Blue Square Premier promotion-chasers until the end of December ahead of a potential permanent New Year move.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb warned yesterday the loan capture of Crawley defender Bradley Thomas signals the start of his get tough policy.

The 23-year-old agreed an initial switch from the Blue Square Premier promotion-chasers until the end of December ahead of a potential permanent New Year move.

Thomas trained with his new team mates earlier this week in the continued injury absence of experienced duo Simon Weaver (back) and Mark Peters (knee).

The former Peterborough trainee made nine senior appearances for Steve Evans' Reds this season but missed Crawley's weekend FA Cup exit that helped triggered his move to The Walks.

"We're delighted to get him and it's a good move for the lad," said Webb. "He'd found it difficult to get back in the first team in recent weeks and with Crawley out of the FA Cup they were looking to change a few things around. He's a big centre half with a lot of pace and he gives me more options. We're looking to do something long-term but this is the way we had to go to bring him in right now.

"It's something that had been bubbling under before the Kidderminster game. We're waiting for the results of a scan on Mark so we don't know how long he might be out. Simon did something to his back in the FA Cup game at Wroxham and it has given him trouble ever since but we're hopeful he will be fit to train this week. Even without the injuries we just need to freshen up that area."

Webb conceded Lynn's Kidderminster FA Cup humbling had been a major wake up call after recent Blue Square North home defeats.

"This has been the worst spell of my time here," he said. "But there is no need to panic. I have gone out and done what I feel is right for the squad. The board have backed me and its now up to the lads here to show me they want to be part of it. I'm in the position where I have to deliver. If the players didn't already know they will find out how ruthless I can be. No one in the squad can look me in the eye now and say they haven't been given a chance. Last week helped me clarify a lot of things in my own mind about certain players."

Webb has already started to rebuild shattered confidence ahead Saturday's crucial league visit by struggling Solihull.

"Training was good, the mood was good," he said.

Webb admits the Blue Square Premier play-off chasing Harriers offer the perfect template for the way forward.

"They played probably at no more than 80pc of their maximum on the day," he said. "It's not about out-playing teams. It's about doing the things that make you successful."

Read Mark Hearle's latest exclusive behind-the-scenes column today only on edp24.co.uk/kingslynn