Steve Spriggs left The Walks with a simple message for his former boss: 'Thank you'.

Gary Setchell's ex-flying winger has gone from Step Five of the non-league ladder to Step Two in less than six months after leaving King's Lynn Town for Boston United at the weekend.

And the 24-year-old is in no doubt about just who deserves huge praise for his rapid rise from the United Counties League to Blue Square North, via Evo-Stik Division One South, in under a season.

The Pilgrims' midfielder said: 'It has been so difficult because I have said in the past how much I do love playing for Lynn and I really mean that. It's my second home.

'Plus I've got so much respect for the gaffer (Setchell). He's brought my game on leaps and bounds.

'I've only improved during my time at Lynn so credit to him for the time and effort he has put into me. I can't thank him enough.

'I like to play at the best level I can and test myself. A lot of people wrote me off and said I couldn't play at Step Four. I hadn't before. The gaffer showed faith in me and I can only thank him and I proved people wrong. Can I play at Step Two? Only time will tell. I believe I can. I know there will be doubters but I hope to prove them wrong too.'

Spriggs, whose dad Steve is Cambridge United's record appearance holder, bagged 18 goals for the Linnets this term – including six in their fine FA Trophy run.

He leaves one of his best mates, defender Ross Watson, a string of close friends and a host of brilliant memories behind from his spells at The Walks. And even though he left at the end of last season to play professional football in Sweden, only to return months later, the goal-machine admits it's time to try and become a fans' favourite at another club.

Spriggs said: 'I hadn't been to Boston before and I didn't know too much really about them. I'm going in blind. I met Graham (Drury, manager), we had a chat, and talked about the week-to-week aspect of being at Boston and what was expected of me. I was really impressed with him and the ground. It's an ex-Football League club.

'I don't know one player. It's like I'll be starting a new job and going in for my first day soon. It'll be unfamiliar territory for me but if I don't throw myself in at the deep end I'll always be asking what if? I had some great memories at Lynn. It was a fantastic time. The supporters, the chairman (Buster Chapman), the manager and my team-mates have been brilliant. But it's time for a new challenge and a chance to create some good memories at Boston.'