Come and join us – Castellan contract shows King’s Lynn Town will give local lads a chance

Gary Setchell is vowing to keep tapping into the area's talent pool after handing Matty Castellan a coveted contract.

The defender, 21, last night put pen-to-paper on a deal which will keep him at King's Lynn Town until the end of next season. Castellan follows highly-rated striker Dylan Edge, 17, in committing his future to his hometown club and Setchell insists the door remains open for more local lads to try and make a name for themselves at The Walks.

Lynn's boss, whose play-off chasing side head to Stratford Town this evening, said: 'With the youth team, we want the best players from Lynn, at Lynn, to have a chance of playing for Lynn.

'Putting people like Dylan and Matty on a contract, and the chances they've had with the first team and the reserves that Robbie (Back) has given them, there's an opportunity for local lads who want to play for King's Lynn – if they're good enough and dedicated enough – to get opportunities.'

Castellan was given the chance to play for Lynn after impressing for Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division Swaffham Town, who play two levels below the Linnets.

The centre-back has already made 22 appearances since his arrival in September and will now have to be bought if another club wants to prize him away from Lynn.

'It's awesome to sign a contract,' Castellan said after agreeing terms for 18 months, with an option of a year's extension. I just try to keep playing well every time I'm on the pitch. To be rewarded with a contract is brilliant. I am a little bit surprised. Obviously I thought I could make a difference but I wasn't sure over what sort of time frame that would be over.

'I've just tried to learn from the people around me, pick up things quickly, and try and better my game.'