Trip to Fakenham Town for Linnets
A derby trip with a difference to Fakenham Town is on the menu for King’s Lynn Town when they begin their 2018/19 pre-season on Wednesday (July 4), at 7.45pm.
Linnets boss Simon Clark has boosted his squad by signing ex-Football League utility man Lee Beevers.
And he plans to field triallists and potential signings for his first friendly in charge of The Walks outfit, as well as taking the unusual step of holding a training session just before the game.
This is to maximise the time the squad has together, as so far Lynn have had one full training session as well as two informal get-togethers.
Clark last night confirmed he has signed the 34-year-old former Ipswich Town, Boston United, Lincoln City, Colchester United, Walsall and Mansfield Town player Beevers, who can play across the back or as a midfielder.
The Linnets should be at full strength, apart from Ryan Fryatt, who is suspended. The centre-half will be back for the Norwich City home game on Friday.
Newly-appointed earlier this summer, Clark said of the friendly at the Ghosts: “I’m grateful to Fakenham for the game. It was arranged at the last minute, and they’ve put it in at late notice.
“We’ll be fielding two elevens against Fakenham.
“We’re not going to be warming up before the game; we’ll train. We don’t just want it to be a 45-minute hit.
“We’ll have a very tough 30 minutes beforehand. It will be interesting to see how they play, doing a training session and then having them tired.
“Every session has to be worthwhile, in all disciplines. There will be other people involved: triallists and potential signings.
“There will be an opportunity to look at them and how they fit in with our group.”
Clark was aiming to make up to three signings this week, dependant on factors like agreeing a fee and speaking to other clubs about releasing a player by mutual consent.
He added: “Our chairman is talking to the chairman of another football club.
“I tried to get all the signings done by Sunday, but I understand with the other chairmen, it’s not their full-time job either.
“I’m not going to be basing any signings just on the Fakenham game.”
Supporters will be set to see new Lynn signings Harry Limb, the former Wisbech Town and Burnley forward, and Kalern Thomas – who joined from Kettering – for the first time.
Clark added: “The first two training sessions we had were unofficial. It was purely optional and I had 12 to 16 players. I had players away on holiday.”
“It was a matter of getting my ideas into them, and ultimately the seriousness of it.
“It’s not a full-time job, but for those with aspirations of going full-time, there’s no short-cuts.”
Pre-season friendly programme, Lynn & Lynn Reserves
Wednesday, July 4: Fakenham Town v King’s Lynn.
Friday, July 6: King’s Lynn v Norwich City (19.30).
Friday, July 13: Mildenhall T v King’s Lynn.
King’s Lynn Challenge Trophy, Friday, July 20: Legia Warsaw U23 v Rangers U23; Saturday, July 21: King’s Lynn v Norwich City U23. Sunday, July 22: Third place matches 2pm. Final at 5pm.
Wednesday, July 25: Long Sutton Ath v Lynn Res.
Saturday, July 28: Basford Utd v King’s Lynn; Ely City Res v Lynn Res.
Tuesday, July 31: Yaxley United v King’s Lynn.
Wednesday, August 1: Parson Drove v Lynn Res.
Saturday, August 4: King’s Lynn v Spalding United.
Monday, August 6: Sheringham v Lynn Res.
Saturday, August 11: start of Southern Premier Central season.
