King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor hopes his 'softly softly' approach can entice midfielder Ashley Nicholls to join the British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division title favourites.

King's Lynn boss Tommy Taylor hopes his 'softly softly' approach can entice midfielder Ashley Nicholls to join the British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division title favourites.

Lynn complete their home pre-season programme tonight against Nationwide League Two outfit Peterborough at The Walks. (7.45pm)

Taylor welcomes back Matt Nolan, Paul Atkins and Louis Blois after the trio missed Monday's encouraging goal less draw against Boston United.

The Linnets boss held further talks with former Rushden playmaker Nicholls after the Pilgrims game.

“No - Ashley hasn't signed yet,” confirmed Taylor. “We spoke at length and if he doesn't get himself fixed up with a Conference level club then he's happy to join us.

“Gillingham have also shown an interest but he is not keen on a move. The fact he's based in Ipswich obviously goes in our favour. I've treated him exactly the same as Shaun Marshall. If we can bring in these type of quality additions then it's a coup for us. We have to be realistic, though, if clubs at a higher level can offer then a good opportunity you can't do much about it.”

Taylor has dropped his interest in keeper Danny Knowles along with former Norwich academy products Adam Gusterson and Liam Howlett.

“Danny is still a young lad learning his trade,” said Taylor. “With Shaun now on board it's in his own interests to go and play games. I offered the other two what I thought was a decent deal. They are looking for guarantees when it comes to first team football. I can't offer anyone that within the club so I think the door is closed there.”

Taylor is still keen to recruit Greg Crane - currently on trial with Cambridge United - and Blois will get another chance this evening.

“We really want to give Adam Smith the freedom to get forward,” said Taylor. “Ideally I want to keep both lads. I spoke to Greg at Lowestoft over the weekend and he has another week or so to go. All we can do is wait.”

Midfielder Sam McMahon is tentatively pencilled in for an outing at Haverhill next Tuesday for the bookmakers' title favourites - Lynn now a best priced 11-2 joint favourite with Stan James to lift the championship.

“We've got an excellent footballing team and plenty of options,” said Taylor. “If we can keep clean sheets I know we'll nick goals. We were a much bigger price than that at the start of the summer so someone fancies us - maybe it's the lads we've brought in. If we can handle the muck and nettles of the physical side of this league we'll do okay.”