King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor has pleaded with striker Matt Nolan to stay and fire the club to Southern League, Premier Division promotion next season.

King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor has pleaded with striker Matt Nolan to stay and fire the club to Southern League, Premier Division promotion next season.

Taylor held further talks with his 16-goal marksman with Nationwide South new boys Bedford targeting Nolan as a replacement for Kettering-bound Rene Howe.

“Bedford have spoken to him and he has a decision to make,” confirmed Taylor. “We've kept in touch with his agent and Matty knows what we can offer. If Bedford have managed to get some decent backing behind them by going up then they might be able to offer him more.

“I don't think it really boils down to just money. Wimbledon put in a seven day approach last season and he turned them down because he was enjoying his football here - even though he would've doubled his money.

“Matty doesn't work for a living and Bedford is on his doorstep so I don't know if the travelling is a factor. He has to decide what's in his best interests.”

Taylor hopes to convince Nolan with his summer transfer activity - which included an audacious attempt to land Exeter's bustling frontman Steve Flack.

Lynn's boss made a last ditch attempt to snatch the former Cambridge United striker before his player-coach switch to Southern Premier rivals Tiverton.

“I was with Alex Inglethorpe (Exeter boss) at the weekend,” said Taylor. “Tiverton must have laid out big money to get him and they will be one of the clubs challenging next year. I had Steve at Cambridge and he would be a real handful for defenders in our league.”

Taylor has dropped his interest in Cambridge United's recently released top scorer Fola Onibuje but the Linnets chief is prepared bolster his attacking options with the best local talent from the Ridgeons Premier.

“I'm speaking to a lad this week who everyone tells me is the best centre forward in the league by miles,” said Taylor. “He's Peterborough-based but hasn't played at our level. If he wants to test himself then I'd certainly take a look during pre-season. There's also the boy Paul Atkins who went to Norwich United.”

Fakenham-born keeper Shaun Marshall is another on Taylor's shopping list after his release from Notts County along with a former Rushden central midfielder, which could cast doubt over Shaun Carey's long term future.

“I've already spoken to a keeper but Shaun Marshall's situation is something we are aware of,” admitted Taylor. “I'd like to have a chat this week with him to see what his plans are. I'm fairly optimistic of bringing in a midfielder.

“He played in the league above last season but after speaking to him I think he would like a fresh challenge. I want to keep Sam (McMahon) because he is always likely to nick a goal. The financial package that allowed us to bring in Shaun last season won't be in place - its case of juggling what we've got.

“We had a good season to finish third but to take the next step I need to keep the nucleus of the squad together and bring in four to five players who can make us better.”

Taylor confirmed defender Grant Cooper will now stay at the club after Lynn's Southern League, Premier Division place for 2006/07 was rubber-stamped by the FA.