King's Lynn youngster signs professional forms with the Linnets

Talented midfielder Joe Gascoigne has signed professional forms with King's Lynn Town.

The Heacham-born youngster, 19, was released by Norwich City when he started school year 11.

He joined the Under-16 Junior Premier League team for that season as part of the King's Lynn Community Football Programme.

He quickly caught the eye of Neil Fryatt, was a regular visitor to the under-16 games before playing a handful of games for the Under-18s.

The following year he was a member of The College of West Anglia Football Academy and was also part of the Lynn A team.

Gascoigne was also an important member of the reserve team as well as the FA Youth Cup squad that made it to the first round two years on the bounce.

On signing for the club, Gascoigne said: “I’m very proud that I’ve signed my first pro contract, especially with Kings Lynn.

"It’s a club I’ve been watching since I was a kid and I have many memories coming to the Walks watching games. It's something I’ve worked very hard for, so to finally sign it, I’m very happy.”

Gascoigne made his National League debut for the club against Altrincham at The Walks and admitted that this so far is the highlight of his fledgling career.

Director of football Rob Back, said: "I'm delighted to see a local lad from the town in the first team squad.

"Joe joined the under-18s at 15, then moved to the under-23s.

"Seeing Joe sign pro forms is hopefully a sign of things to come, both from Joe and from within our academy structure.”

When asked what advice he would give to those currently in the club academy system, Back added: “There’s no substitute for hard work. If you're willing to put the hours in, you can really do anything you want. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions, it can only make you better.”

Gascoigne was joined by his parents for the signing.

The Linnets are without a game now until September 25 after their match at Altrincham on Tuesday night was postponed due to positive Covid tests in the opposition camp.

Lynn suffered numerous fixtures called off last season because of the pandemic but this is the first one so far this campaign.

There seems to be something of a jinx with trips to Moss Lane with last season seeing two postponements.

The Linnets released a statement on Monday afternoon saying: "Please note that tomorrow’s scheduled game against Altrincham has been postponed due to a positive COVID test in the opposition camp.

"We wish the player involved a speedy recovery and will confirm the new date in due course."