Paddy Davitt King's Lynn boss Keith Webb admits he has had 'sleepless nights' over his managerial future ahead of today's Blue Square North finale at Vauxhall Motors (3pm).

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb admits he has had 'sleepless nights' over his managerial future ahead of today's Blue Square North finale at Vauxhall Motors (3pm).

Webb's own long-term situation at the club has been overshadowed this week by the Conference threat to expel Lynn over ground grading issues at The Walks.

But the Linnets' chief informed chairman Ken Bobbins of his final decision yesterday before breaking the news to the club's playing squad.

"Has it been a tough call? Yes and no," he said. "In the end, no. I've had a lot of sleepless nights but I spoke to the chairman after last weekend and that more or less made my mind up for me. I've talked to the likes of Lee (Glover) and one or two others because that has had to come into my thinking but I don't want to say much more until after this last game.

"It's been a difficult period for us this season. Right back to when we had the issue over whether we went into North or South. That put us right on the back foot from the very start. Obviously the financial side of things came to a head as well but, contrary to what a minority of people now believe, I think myself and Lee have done a good job holding things together."

Webb insists it is impossible to gauge how his men will react this afternoon with the club's Blue Square North status now set to be decided at a Soho Square appeal hearing.

"We'll see when we get there how tough it is for the boys to focus on the game," he said. "I don't think any blame can be put upon the players however they react to be honest.

"I will stress, though, that we want to win the game. They've dug themselves a hole in these last five games so they have one more chance to dig themselves out.

"For so many reasons we just want a positive end to the season on the pitch. That's what we'll be asking for and that's hopefully what we'll get."

Skipper Andy Johnson (groin) is a major doubt after limping out of Lynn's home final defeat to Workington. Midfielder Ross Kelly (ankle) does not travel but Bradley Thomas (foot) and Norwich loanee Kris Renton (knee) are expected to be fit.

"I think Jonno may be struggling," said Webb. "Norwich have not contacted me to the contrary so I'm assuming Kris is alright. With all due respect to Vauxhall we're not playing a Tamworth or whoever so we know we can go and get something. We conceded a late goal when they came to ours last month but if we can put in that sort of solid performance again I'll be happy."

n Read Mark Hearle's exclusive behind-the-scenes club column every Thursday only on edp24.co.uk/kingslynn