Discussions over whether a footballing legend should be granted the freedom of the borough will take place behind closed doors.

Eastern Daily Press: Mick Wright: Pictures submittedMick Wright: Pictures submitted (Image: Archant)

West Norfolk council formally apologised for not following its own procedures last month, after seemingly dismissing an application to give the symbolic accolade to former King's Lynn FC player Mick Wright.

Now its ruling cabinet will discuss the nomination, made by ex-Linnets manager Keith Rudd, who took Mr Wright's case to

the Local Government Ombudsman after it was 'dismissed it at the front desk'.

Officials wrote a letter of apology to Mr Rudd, after the ombudsman found the council had not referred the nomination to its ruling cabinet, as per the rules.

Eastern Daily Press: Mick Wright: Pictures submittedMick Wright: Pictures submitted (Image: Archant)

Council chief executive Ray Harding said: 'We got it wrong, we have accepted that, and we're doing what we can to put the mistake right. 'Ultimately it is my responsibility, which I fully accept. Members will now formally consider the proposal, as has been requested.'

Mr Rudd's nomination will now be considered by the council's cabinet on Tuesday, April 11. But while most items on the agenda will be discussed in public, the press and public will be excluded while Mr Wright's nomination is discussed.

Mr Rudd said: 'I think you had to be alive in the 60s to understand what Mick meant to the town, he was instrumental in getting awards for the club. I'm amazed at how the council mishandled the whole thing, it's crackers isn't it.' The freedom of the borough is the council's highest honorary title given to an individual or group. Councils can award the title of honorary freeman to 'persons of distinction and any persons who have rendered emininent services'.

Mr Wright said he was 'speechless' at being nominated.

Eastern Daily Press: Back row, left to right: Mick Wright, Aaron Huggins-Bowers, Ally McKenna, Joe Bell, Eddie Thompson, Chris Sandford, Jack Whatmough, Rob Thornton, Dominic Inyang-Gray, Thomas Daniels, Max Kirby, Mitch McKay, Richard Daniels, Adam Mason Front row, left to right: Adam Bellis, John Bell, Luke Goreham, Keegan Middleton, Lee Roots, Jackson Williams, Chad Pillar, Joel Watts, Reece Hunn Not pictured: Bradley Hough, Sean PerfectBack row, left to right: Mick Wright, Aaron Huggins-Bowers, Ally McKenna, Joe Bell, Eddie Thompson, Chris Sandford, Jack Whatmough, Rob Thornton, Dominic Inyang-Gray, Thomas Daniels, Max Kirby, Mitch McKay, Richard Daniels, Adam Mason Front row, left to right: Adam Bellis, John Bell, Luke Goreham, Keegan Middleton, Lee Roots, Jackson Williams, Chad Pillar, Joel Watts, Reece Hunn Not pictured: Bradley Hough, Sean Perfect (Image: Archant)