Even chairman Buster Chapman admits he had prepared for King's Lynn Town to be playing in a different league next season.

Rumours were rife on the internet that the Linnets were going to be switched into the Ryman Premier Division as part of the FA's annual non-league restructuring process. So it came as a surprise to boss Gary Setchell, and Chapman, that their club will remain in the Evo-Stik (Northern) Premier Division for another term.

The Lynn football and speedway chief said: 'If I'm honest, we'd resigned ourselves to being in the Ryman League. It was what everyone was telling us.

'We had to be happy with what we got and we're quite happy we're going into the Northern Premier League again. It's just your mind gets changed and you start thinking of other things.'

Town will renew acquaintances with relegated Corby and face 'local' rivals Stamford for a third season on the bounce. But it's the lack of promotion for big-hitters FC United which will have pleased the money men across the Step Three league, including Chapman, the most.

'It was the game of our season when we played them here,' said Lynn's chairman of their 0-0 draw with FC which attracted 1,440 – the biggest gate of the season at The Walks.

'It was a big help to the club financially. It's a shame there wasn't more travelling support for other games but the problem with King's Lynn is always going to be the same, whether we play in the north, or the south. We're in the middle of nowhere.

'It makes it expensive to get players, expensive to travel, and brings down the numbers of away support. That's why I'm pleased Chorley and Fylde got promoted, they were two massive journeys, and Corby are in our league because they are another local club.'

Chapman admits he is looking at ways to cut his club's expenditure on travelling next season because Lynn 'lost a bit of money' in 2013/14 and also hopes the average attendances will increase during next season.

Evo-Stik Premier Division line-up (2014/15): Ashton United, Barwell, Belper Town, Blyth Spartans, Buxton, Corby Town, Curzon Ashton, FC United of Manchester, Frickley Athletic, Grantham Town, Ilkeston, Kings Lynn Town, Marine, Matlock Town, Nantwich Town, Ramsbottom United, Rushall Olympic, Skelmersdale United, Stamford, Trafford, Whitby Town, Witton Albion, Workington, Worksop Town.