King's Lynn Town have been tipped to challenge for a third successive promotion – by a man who knows all about getting out of the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

North Ferriby United boss Billy Heath guided his men to last year's Northern Premier Division title while Gary Setchell's Linnets were lifting the league's lower-level Division One South.

And while the Villagers' manager will be focusing his attention on The Skrill (Conference) Premier this term, he insists Lynn have all the attributes to continue their climb up the non-league ladder. Heath said: 'Lynn will certainly need to be taken seriously. They are a club on the crest of a wave at the moment with great forward momentum.

'They did really well last year and, after achieving back-to-back promotions, I wouldn't write them off challenging again this year.

'They have bought in some good players who know the league and the league above it, so I can certainly see them making a charge for the play-offs, especially if they start well.'

Setchell himself said earlier this week that he believes his side's momentum can help them ruffle a few feathers ahead of their bow at Step Three of the semi-professional pyramid – which starts on Saturday at Nantwich Town.

But he admits that big-spending AFC Fylde are the likeliest winners of this season's crown, as does Setchell's fellow title-winning boss from 2012/13.

'For me, Fylde are the favourites,' said Heath in an interview with the latest edition of the Non-League Paper.

'They have come through the leagues and, after establishing themselves in the league last season, they will be looking to win it this year.

'They have got a great set up, both on and off the pitch.'