King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor has confirmed the release of former Norwich City midfield duo Cedric Anselin and Shaun Carey. And Taylor is wasting no time in trying to freshen up his playing squad for a crack at the Southern League, Premier Division title.

King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor yesterday has confirmed the release of former Norwich City midfield duo Cedric Anselin and Shaun Carey.

And Taylor is wasting no time in trying to freshen up his playing squad for a crack at the Southern League, Premier Division title.

"I just felt Cedric didn't show me enough towards the end of last season," admitted Taylor. "We had a chat after the final game and decided to let him go.

"I really need players who are desperate to play and we've got hungry young lads like Matty Peters and Charlie Defty who want a chance. It's up to Ced to get that desire back because you cannot doubt the boy's ability."

The Linnets chief admits Carey's pending departure is based on financial rather than footballing reasons.

"I haven't a bad word to say about Shaun," said Taylor. "He came in and was excellent for us but I had a sponsor for him last season so it wasn't costing the club a penny. That might not be the case this time around and even if we do have money to spend we could probably use it on two players.

"I've explained the situation to Shaun and his agent, he knows what we can afford. If he doesn't get himself fixed up over the summer and was happy to accept those terms I'd welcome him back."

Taylor revealed discussions are still on-going with striker Matt Nolan but the Linnets boss has already targeted Wisbech Town's Ridgeons Premier top scorer Liam Harrold and former Nuneaton Borough hitman Michael Frew.

"Yes, they are two players I've talked to," confirmed Taylor. "Liam wants a chance to prove himself at a higher level. He scored 36 league goals last season and I'd be silly not to have a look at someone that prolific.

"The boy he played alongside (Liam Nimmo) scored nearly as many so I wouldn't mind getting them both along to training because they already have a nice understanding.

"Michael has just been released by Nuneaton but finished the season at Hucknall. He's agreed to speak with them but I've told him we are interested.

"Matty doesn't want to rush into a decision. I can understand his position - the boy wants to see what teams are interested, but he knows our offer. There's no point making false promises because that won't do the club any good in the long term. Whatever Matty decides to do, I've got to push on and get some strikers in."

Taylor has been in touch with Fakenham-born stopper Shaun Marshall following his release from Notts County. The Linnets chief also revealed Gillingham youth product Danny Knowles is set to attend pre-season training.

The 20-year-old spent three months on loan at Ryman Premier outfit East Thurrock last season.

"Danny is moving back to this part of the country, he knows all about the club and has heard good reports," said Taylor. "Shaun has one or two other options and if he can stay in the football league I wouldn't stand in his way. If not he will definitely come along to training."

A busy Taylor is optimistic Cambridge City midfielder Luke Kennedy and Lowestoft's ex-Norwich City scholar Greg Crane will accept his pre-season invitation alongside Crane's former Carrow Road team mates Adam Gusterson and Lee Howlett.

t Lynn yesterday announced pre-season friendly details. Club officials hope to add another two additional home fixtures in due course.

Pre-season fixtures: Tuesday, July 11 Mildenhall away; Saturday, July 15 Dagenham & Redbridge at home; Saturday, July 22 Boston United at home; Tuesday, July 25 Newmarket Town away; Tuesday, August 1 Haverhill away; Tuesday, August 8 Boston FC away.