Fletcher comes home as Linnets sign young forward

Fletcher Toll has returned to his home roots by signing for King’s Lynn Town in the National League North.The prolific frontman, who has won three successive Golden Boots, arrives at The Walks from Corby Town.Toll has plundered more than 100 goals during his first three seasons of playing senior football.Speaking at the club earlier this afternoon, Toll said: “It feels really good. As some may know, it seems like we’ve been in talks for a while, but buzzing to get it done.”I’m a local lad, I am from Lynn, lived here all my life and have come and supported (the team) so it feels really good.”I’m stepping up two leagues, but I think I will take it in my stride, hopefully play well and get gelled in with the team.”James (Rowe) came in, sold himself and sold the club to me well. It sounded like an exciting project to be a part of. “Training more regularly and playing with better players will obviously develop my game and help me in the long run. It will help me develop physically, as well as technically.” The 21-year-old scored 32 league goals in 47 appearances as the Steelmen reached the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands play-off final last season, only to lose 2-1 to Worcester City.During the 2023/24 campaign, Toll netted an impressive 40 goals in 53 appearances for Downham Town in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.He began his senior football career at Heacham, where he registered 31 goals as the Magpies clinched an eighth successive promotion The youngster had a trial with the Linnets, then managed by Mark Hughes, in the close season of 2023 before being allowed to leave after only being given a handful of minutes to impress.He was again linked with a move to The Walks last summer after notching a hat-trick for Downham in a 4-2 Norfolk Senior Cup final victory against Gorleston at Carrow Road, but opted to link up with former Lynn boss Gary Setchell at Steel Park. Toll spoke of his desire to play full-time football in an interview with the Lynn News earlier this year.He said: “My aim as a kid was always to be a full-time footballer, and I know if I ever was to go pro or have a full-time contract and it doesn’t work out, then I know I’ve got something to fall back on. “Full-time is the aim, but we get there when we get there.”The Lynn-born youngster made an immediate impact in Northamptonshire, scoring nine goals in his first 12 matches, significantly contributing to Corby Town’s strong start to last season.His goalscoring exploits attracted the attention of several clubs higher up the pyramid, including Lynn’s near-neighbours Peterborough Sports in the National League North and Kettering Town in the Southern League Central Premier.But the forward committed his future to Corby Town by signing a contract extension. Toll announced that he was leaving Corby on X last night, and his departure post drew lots of responses.Steelmen boss Setchell said: “Yes Fletch, it was a pleasure, my man. Looking forward to watching you progress, it was inevitable that someone was going to snap you up, all the best going forward.”Toll becomes Lynn’s third new signing this week, following hot on the heels of defenders Reece Hall-Johnson and Bailey Clements.