Interim Linnets boss Joe Simpson admitted he would love the opportunity to manage his hometown club – and did his chances of getting the job no harm after guiding his side through in the FA Cup.
Simpson expressed his interest after watching his side storm into the fourth qualifying round with a 5-1 demolition of Royston Town.
The 35-year-old, who stepped in at short notice after a difficult week at The Walks, praised his players after watching them blow away their Southern League Central Premier Division hosts.
Simpson said: “Are you asking me if I would like the opportunity to manage my hometown club? Of course I would.“
“I was very proud to stand there with that group in front of me and behind me. But whatever happens now has to be right for the football club and for this group of players.
“As long as I’m in this position, I’ll give it every ounce of my body to make it successful.
“If the club chooses to go in another direction, I’ll support the next manager in the same way.”
Simpson, who has been connected with King’s Lynn for more than two decades as player, coach and a supporter, insisted the focus remains on the squad rather than his own future.
“It’s not about me in any aspect,” he said.
“It’s about this group and this club. I haven’t even thought about the job. If you’d asked me last Sunday whether I thought I’d be in this position, the answer would have been no.
“All I can deal with is the day in front of me. It’s been a crazy week. My only concern is doing the best I can for the club and the group.”
Saturday’s victory was built on a blistering start that saw the Linnets 2-0 up inside 15 minutes, before Ross Crane took centre stage with a double after the interval.
Crane’s brace arrived after goals from Michael Gyasi. Morgan Williams and Joe Nyahwema
“We’ve been guilty in the past of going ahead and trying to protect what we’ve got,” Simpson admitted.
“But today they just went again and again. The bravery and aggression with the ball was excellent. Some players who’d maybe lost a bit of confidence showed their quality again.
“The message to the players was simple: play with freedom.
“If there’s a pocket, go and find it. If you’re one against one in a wide area, get at him and ask questions. I told them to take the handbrake off and show how good they are and they did exactly that.
“I’m a big believer in principles rather than shape. Yes, you set up with a structure, but from then on, the game moves. These lads went out there and expressed themselves, and it was brilliant to see.”
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Simpson revealed the squad had endured a nightmare build-up with injuries, illness and suspensions, leaving him with only four players on the bench.
“Everything that could have gone wrong this week did,” he said.
“But the response was excellent. That’s a testament to the character of this group.”
King’s Lynn will now look forward to Monday’s draw for the fourth qualifying round, with Simpson again refusing to be drawn on whether he will be in charge for the next round.
“For me, it’s just about giving these lads the best chance to show what they’re about,” he said.
“Yes, I’d love to be standing there again. But for now, I’m just proud to be back, proud to be with this group, and proud to be representing my hometown club.”
