Featherby and Lynn FC were given assurances by the anonymous backer that they would invest a substantial amount of money into the club.

But a sudden change of heart has left the cash-strapped Linnets searching for fresh investment before the end of their first Blue Square North season.

Featherby told the Lynn News: "To say I feel disappointed is a huge understatement.

"Although I have worked behind the scenes with the club for a number of years it was only after a number of long drawn out discussions with my associate that it was agreed we would both look to get much more closely involved and help do our best to take the club forward and achieve the potential that it undoubtedly has.

"However, and while I now feel a little let down by this, I remain fully committed to Lynn FC and will do for as long as the club want me too.

"The real shame about all of this is that I and the other directors have waited around for nearly two months in the belief that he was coming on board.

"While I am not going to say I took my foot off the pedal in respect of talking to other potential investors, his place had been kept put aside for him on the back of the continued assurances we had been receiving right up to him pulling at the last minute, dare I say it by text."

Although it has come as a major blow to The Walks outfit, Featherby says the club will continue to search high and low for fresh investment.

"We and any other club are always looking for further investment be it through sponsorship or other means, said Featherby.

"But at the same time we want to create associations and partnerships with those that really want to be part of a forward-thinking and progressive club and, more to the point, be with us for the long ride, not short term.

"The fans want success and to be fair they deserve it.

committed

"They aren't scared to say what they think that's for sure, which I like. More importantly they are always totally committed to Lynn FC."

"Regarding further investment I do know that Simon Pomfret (commercial director) is working very hard to bring in not only new investment, but lots of new ideas that will go some way to lending itself to further commercial activities."

The Linnets will tomorrow want to wrap up their home campaign on the right note against Workington.

The following Saturday sees the final game of the BSN season at Vauxhall Motors.

Midweek results (see page 90) means Lynn are all but safe, with Hyde and Burs-cough needing to improve their goal difference by more than 15 to overtake Lynn.

Linnets boss Keith Webb, who should have a fully-fit squad, said: "I just want us to go out with a bang.

"It's been an up-and-down season, and unless we have a catastrophic game, we should be OK.

"We've not played particularly well in the last three or four games, and I want us to finish the home season well.

"There's been a lot going on that's been out of the players' control.