The latest club signing is 18-year-old defender Zak Martin, from the West Brom academy, who was snapped up on Tuesday.

That makes it to a round dozen new signings under the leadership of manager Carl Heggs and his assistant Andy Johnson – himself a former WBA player.

Club training was due to start last night at the new Leicester base and next Tuesday the Linnets have their first pre-season friendly at Redditch.

But when the action starts in earnest, Lynn will face tricky away trips in the two major cup competitions. In the FA Cup 1st qualifying round they travel to either Bury Town or Rothwell Town (September 12); in the FA Trophy there is a long trip to Marine (October 17).

In the FA Youth Cup, Lynn must travel to March in their first match and if successful face a visit to Histon or Long Melford in the next round.

Rudd has been named as Reserve team manager, taking over from Steve Lilley who stepped down at the end of last season because of work commitments.

A former player and club manager, Rudd has already made a start in building up his Ridgeons League squad by talking to local players including Charlie Defty.

Rudd said yesterday: "I think local players like Charlie will be required by the club in the years to come.

"I believe he is a first team player, but I don't think he's been given the opportunity in the last three years. I've spoken to him and told him I want him back at the club."

On Tuesday, Defty was training with Wisbech, where ex-Linnet Gary Setchell is the manager.