Paddy Davitt King's Lynn boss Keith Webb admitted that bidding for highly-rated Blue Square Premier top gun Daryl Clare would have been 'suicide'. Burton's 28-goal striker has joined Rushden & Diamonds after turning down offers from heavyweights Cambridge United and Stevenage.

Paddy Davitt

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb admitted that bidding for highly-rated Blue Square Premier top gun Daryl Clare would have been 'suicide'.

Burton's 28-goal striker has joined Rushden & Diamonds after turning down offers from heavyweights Cambridge United and Stevenage. Webb confirmed Lynn held talks with the 29-year-old but pulled out of an auction for the coveted striker.

“We spoke to him and he was interested,” said Webb. “At the end of the day it wasn't a case of selling the club to him. We've spoken to him previously and he knew what we were about. Before it was just a case of the standard of football he wanted to play.

“In terms of the financial packages he was being offered - for a club like King's Lynn to compete at that level would've been suicide. We need to look at the club as a whole and do what is best but hopefully it shows everyone our ambition. Maybe next season.”

Webb also issued a warning to his current squad.

“Players have to remember the board pushed the boat out last season,” he said. “They brought in players who could win us that league. Our budget was comparable to the Conference but people must realise it is not a gravy train at King's Lynn. We have to cut our cloth accordingly and it's up to me and Lee Glover to do that when it comes to the squad.”

Webb's first task is to persuade Matt Nolan and Danny Bloomfield to stay after the club was placed in Blue Square North next season - pending final ratification at the Conference AGM on June 7.

“Both those lads have already indicated there might be a problem,” he said. “I need to sit down with them properly and see exactly what the issues are - whether it's the travel. Hopefully we can resolve things because I want both to stay. They scored 30 plus goals in the Southern League and those type of players are hard to come by. I think the other lads down here will be okay. Scott Howie has said he's on board and the same applies to Greg Crane and Andrew Fisk.”

Lynn can look forward to mouth watering derbies with near neighbours Boston United and tussles with Farsley Celtic, Droylsden and Steve Bull's Stafford - this season's relegated trio from the Blue Square Premier.

AFC Telford's average attendance over the recently finished campaign was 2,200 while the Linnets can also renew rivalries with old foes Tamworth and Nuneaton Borough.

“My initial reaction was one of surprise to be honest,” said Webb. “But we will get on with it and it will be a challenge that we have to be ready for. There's some big clubs and that should be good for the gates. Players also enjoy playing at grounds in front of bigger crowds. Boston for the fans stands out. We can look forward to those because there is a bit of a local rivalry. The South would certainly have meant less travelling but I'm not sure there's too much difference with that side of things in the Southern Premier.”

Webb now aims to zone in on his northern-based targets but insists Lynn will remain true to their footballing principles.

“People talk about it being more physical and more long ball,” he said. “In my experience of the pro game the north is tough but they still try to play football. We matched teams physically last season and played our football. That is something we'll emphasise to the players once again. I had drawn up a couple of lists - one north, one south - so we'll now look at northern based players who can do a job.

“Myself and Lee have been speaking regularly to players but until we knew which league we were in it was difficult to push on. We're looking everywhere, the Football League and the Conference. I want to do our business in good time - well before the kick off on August 9. In my experience of non league football it's important you are organised and sorted early.”

t Blue Square North 2008/09 - provisional line

AFC Telford United

Alfreton Town

Blyth Spartans

Boston United

Burscough

Droylsden

Farsley Celtic

Fleetwood Town

Gainsborough Trinity

Gateshead

Harrogate Town

Hinckley United

Hucknall Town

Hyde United

King's Lynn

Nuneaton Borough

Solihull Moors

Southport

Stafford Rangers

Stalybridge Celtic

Tamworth

Workington

t Pending final ratification at the Blue Square Conference AGM scheduled for Saturday, June 7.