Gary Setchell believes controversial goalkeeper Ashley Timms deserves to be given the opportunity to succeed at King's Lynn Town.

The 28-year-old former Manchester City trainee, who has also had a trial with Norwich City, signed for Lynn yesterday after ending a brief stint with Bradford Park Avenue. His outstanding reputation has been damaged by two stints in prison but Lynn's boss is sure he can get the best out of the much-travelled shot-stopper.

Setchell said: 'Everybody deserves a chance. I take players as I find them.People told me Gary Mills was a bad egg but he's been nothing but brilliant and Massiah McDonald has not been any trouble either. When people come to this club they start with a clean canvas. We'll take it week by week.He's had a topsy-turvy career but I honestly believe he's going to be an unbelievable keeper for this level. Along with Pedro (Alex Street) we'll have two fantastic keepers at the club again.'

Timms, in line to make his debut at Droylsden tonight, was jailed for 20 months in 2008 after trying to blackmail an unnamed Premier League footballer over a sex video. And in December 2011, he was handed a two-year sentence for his part in an international e-mail banking scam, along with two team-mates at Wakefield.

The goalie started this season with Boston United but had his contract cancelled by mutual consent after making 17 appearances.