Clark’s sacking latest twist in turbulent few seasons at The Walks

Ian Culverhouse has quit as manager of Grantham Town. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant 2018)

A 4-2 drubbing at home at the hands of Biggleswade on the opening day of the season did not bode well. And just four weeks and seven games later Clark was on his bike.

His departure is the latest twist in a turbulent few years at The Walks.

The Linnets almost earned promotion to the National League - formerly the Championship - last season, under Clark's predecessor Ian Culverhouse.

Grant Holt, chairman Stephen Cleeve and (R) Simon Lappin at The Walks Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

But they fell at the last hurdle, losing 2-1 to Slough in the play-off final at The Walks in May.

Culverhouse had already handed in his notice, after the breakdown of his relationship with club owner Stephen Cleeve.

In a departing interview, he said: 'I think this club can go up. It should go up and it deserves to go up - but it is someone else's ship to sail.'

Linnets chairman Stephen Cleeve Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Lynn's promotion push was helped - albeit briefly - by Norwich City legend Grant Holt.

Holt signed for the club with fellow former Canary Simon Lappin in October 2017.

But weeks later, the club confirmed he was quitting to take up the job of player-coach at barrow, in his native Cumbria.

Gary Setchell, who managed the Linnets for seven years Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant)

Culverhouse replaced long-serving Linnets boss Gary Setchell, who was sacked in February 2017, the day before Culverhouse's appointment was announced.

In a statement, the club said: 'It is important to Stephen that the Club is challenging for the Play Offs, sadly this season we have fallen short in our agreed target and whilst the blame for this does not lie by any means solely at Gary's door, it is imperative that the club moves forward next season and are genuinely involved in the promotion race.'

Setchell had been in charge for almost seven years, overseeing two promotions and an FA Vase run which took them to the semi-finals in 2010/11.

The Walks after the club was wound up, in 2009 Picture: Matthew Usher (Image: Archant © 2009)

In 2009, the terraces fell silent after King's Lynn FC was wound up over an unpaid £77,000 tax bill.

The following year King's Lynn Stars speedway promoter Buster Chapman took over at The Walks, while a new club King's Lynn Town FC took to the pitch.

In 2016, Chapman sold the club the Stephen Cleeve, who vowed to take it onwards and upwards to league football.

Clark's successor will have his work cut out when it comes to achieving it this season.