King's Lynn Town boss Gary Setchell started making plans for higher-level football at the weekend by re-signing eight of his current squad and releasing one.

The Linnets' manager wasted no time in preparing for life at Step Three of the non-league ladder next term by agreeing deals with defenders Ross Watson, Ryan Fryatt, Phil Gulliver, Jason Lee and Stuart Wall, goalkeeper Alex Street, midfielder George Thomson and attacking star Dan Jacob.

He did, however, allow James Jepson to leave The Walks, bringing an end to the midfielder's short-lived and disappointing spell in Norfolk.

The signatures of Watson and Fryatt were hardly a surprise as they have played a part in every one of the reformed club's three seasons.

But the returns of former number one Street, now understudy to Danny Gay, Wall and Jacob will come as great news to the club's fans. The 'keeper spent time away from The Walks on loan during the championship-winning campaign and was restricted mainly to cup appearances.

Wideman Jacob, who can play as a striker, only arrived in March and added to his fine reputation by scoring five goals in just nine appearances to add another winners' medal to his impressive collection. He was rumoured to be a target for a host of clubs including Blue Square North Boston United – who play a level above Lynn – but has decided to stay with Setchell's men.

Wall endured a miserable 2012/13 term after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament in pre-season. However, despite not kicking a ball during the Linnets Evo-Stik Division One South campaign, the players' player of 2011/12 has been given another chance to show his worth at Step Three – two levels above the one he last played at.

A delighted Wall, who has had an operation on his knee and should be fit for pre-season, said on Twitter: 'Delighted to be staying at King's Lynn Town FC for another season! Hopefully actually play some part this season!'

Midfielder Jepson endured a tough time after his arrival from Gresley in February, making just eight starts and five substitute appearances.

'Nice to have met some good people at Lynn who will remain friends for life. Gary Setchell will lead club to great things. Good luck all,' he wrote on Twitter.

Setchell will discuss the futures of the rest of his current squad at some point this week. In other news, youngster Charlie Butt – who arrived on a 'work experience' deal after leaving Peterborough United – looks set to leave the club, after this summer's pre-season programme, because he is going to university.