King’s Lynn Town’s promotion to the National League has been hailed as “fantastic news” for west Norfolk.
But social distancing to stop the resurgence of the coronavirus means the Champagne will have to stay on ice for a civic reception for now.
League officials yesterday confirmed the Linnets had taken the National League North title after it was agreed final placings would be decided by an average points per game.
The decision takes the club to the highest level it has ever played at, dubbed the Elite Tier of Non-League Football.
Next season the Linnets will be crossing swords with the likes of Torquay, Yeovil and Notts County.
MORE - King’s Lynn Town are going upNorth West Norfolk MP James Wild said: “I offer huge congratulations to the players, manager, staff and everyone at the club and the brilliant supporters on a well-deserved promotion.
“This is fantastic news for King’s Lynn and west Norfolk. The Linnets are a massive part of our community and Stephen Cleeve has done so much to help get to this position.
“I look forward to next season and continuing this exciting journey.”
Graham Middleton, West Norfolk council’s cabinet member for business, said: “First and foremost, it’s a fantastic result and very well deserved.
“In terms of the economy sport plays a massive role in any town’s efforts. Fans will be coming into King’ Lynn, staying in our hotels and hospitality.
“Something like this does do an awful lot for the local economy. The level they’re at now is a national league, you have more televised matches, people coming from far and wide.”
MORE - Why King’s Lynn Town deserved promotionThe promotion is the Linnets’ second in as many seasons.
The team was honoured with a civic reception after their promotion to National Leagure North in May, 2019. Club chairman Stephen Cleeve said it was a “nice touch”.
But any celebration will have to be postponed until coronavirus social distancing measures are lifted, at an as-yet unknown date later this year.
West Norfolk Mayor Geoff Hipperson is writing to congratulate the team.
He said: “It’s a tremendous achievement, it’s new territory for the football club. They must be so pleased the decision’s gone their way.
“Last time we had a civic reception, but obviously we can’t hold one at the moment. We will be doing something but we don’t know what we can do yet.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here