King's Lynn joint boss Kevin Boon believes new Stamford defensive recruit Ross Watson can plug the Linnets' soft centre.

Boon and Gary Setchell have tracked the 22-year-old since the clubs met in pre-season and previously failed with an earlier approach for the step four non league defender.

Watson trained with his new team mates on Wednesday night prior to completing his move to The Walks and is now available for Lynn's scheduled FA Vase trip to Beckenham.

'We just felt that is an area of the defence where we have lacked a bit of pace and we have been found out in some games this season and if you like it, it was a slight area of concern,' admitted Boon. 'He has been playing at a higher level with Stamford, he's in his early 20s, and we feel he is one who can still improve with us. He is quick, he is strong and he is a potential leader and a great organiser.

'Since Stuart Ablett's injury problems we have been looking to plug that gap and if Stuart had stayed fit we probably would not have gone for Ross, but that is football. King's Lynn have had some good players come from Stamford in my time, people like Dave Staff and Carl Holmes, and we hope he has a similar impact.

'We've managed to do it within the budget so no-one is going out of the door to make way for him. It obviously means maybe one or two lads might have to go and get game time with the reserves but it is all about the strength of our club.'

UCL rivals St Neots and PNS along with Watson's previous club Cambridge City were all reportedly tracking the defender.

'I believe those clubs were all aware of the lad so it's a bit of a coup for us to get him,' said Boon. 'He came training with us on Wednesday night for the first time and we completed the deal. We watched him pre-season when he played us and a few of our lads know him well and have spoken highly of him. Brady Stone played with him at Cambridge United in the youth ranks and Jamie Thurlbourne knew him from Cambridge City so he has a decent pedigree. About three months ago I put in a seven day approach but it came to nothing and we looked elsewhere but myself and Setch didn't give up.'

Boon admits Lynn's FA Vase trip to Kent this weekend is looking doubtful with the prolonged cold snap but remains more optimistic of a midweek Norfolk Senior Cup trip to Yarmouth.

'Ross isn't cup-tied for the FA Vase but he is for the Norfolk Senior Cup because he has played in the Lincolnshire Cup this season,' said Boon. 'Saturday is doubtful but I have spoken to Paul Tong and if the weather stays as it is they are hopeful of getting that game on next Tuesday night.'