King's Lynn Town issued a statement of intent to the Evo-Stik Division One South last night by completing the signing of four players Gary Setchell believes will bring a 'winning mentality' to The Walks.

Days after releasing Jack Defty, Ashley Deeney, Luke Thurlbourne and Kieron Davies, the Linnets boss admitted he was delighted to clinch the signatures of sought-after quartet Russell Dunkley, Richard Bunting, Lewis Webb and Sam Gaughran.

Setchell believes Long Buckby's championship winning pair Dunkley and Bunting – who played a large part in denying Lynn the title – back-to-back St Neots title winner Lewis Webb and Lowestoft Town defender Gaughran will instill an attitude to his squad that was missing towards the end of last season.

The Linnets boss said: 'It's a massive statement of intent. I felt in the big games in the last two years we've been found wanting down the spine of the pitch.

'Among the lads, there's four championship winners in the past two seasons between them. They're all fit, tough, hard lads that are going to give us that bit of steel, bite and experience. I've brought in some winning mentality.

'What I've got with these boys is if they're playing poorly they're still going to give what fans love to see – 100pc work-rate and commitment and dying for the cause. These boys aren't here to finish mid-table, they're here to be in amongst it. We've got four cracking players on our hands.'

Bunting, a central midfielder who captained his side last campaign, and striker Dunkley, were instrumental in Buckby's title success.

Versatile Webb, 22, comfortable in midfield or at full-back, skippered St Neots and returns to The Walks after leaving 18 months ago.

Defender Gaughran, also 22, returns to his hometown club for the first time since leaving to sign professional forms with Peterborough United as a teenager.

Setchell said: 'Bunting's always been a class act. Every time he has played against us over the last two seasons he's been there or thereabouts as the best player on the pitch.

'You notice when players are hurting your team. And what can you say about Russell Dunkley? He was by far and away the best striker in the UCL last season and everyone was talking about him.

'They both played for our arch rivals but they're both backing themselves to come in and be big hits with the Lynn fans.

'Webby is hard, fit and hungry and got the experience of a 28-year-old. We're bringing leaders into the squad. He'll work his socks off and when the chips are down he'll try and dig in and put things right – not feel sorry for himself.

'Sam's a great signing. He's a class act. There's no question about that. We've beat off some good clubs and he knows the potential of our club.'

Setchell said he hopes to sign one or two more players but will be without midfielder Danny White, who said on Twitter last night: 'Feeling distraught. Just spoke to Setch and informed him due to work commitments I am unable to re-sign for Lynn. Devastated.'