King's Lynn Town promoted to National League as champions following crucial vote

King's Lynn Town have been promoted to the top tier of non-league football for the first time in their history after National League clubs voted to end the season.

The Linnets were two points behind leaders York City when the National League North campaign was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in March, but crucially had two games in hand.

The National League suggested that all three divisions should be resolved on an unweighted points-per-game basis and the proposal received unanimous support in a vote by clubs on Wednesday.

It means King's Lynn have leapfrogged York in the table to be promoted as National League North champions, and can now look forward to playing in the National League next season.

However, the decision is still subject to final ratification by the FA Council.

The National League is only one step below the Football League in the English football pyramid.

The achievement also secures back-to-back promotions for Lynn who were promoted to the National League North via the play-offs last season.

Speaking after Wednesday's announcement, chairman Stephen Cleeve said he was relieved that his club's fate had finally been sealed after months of waiting.

"I am absolutely delighted for the manager, his staff and all of the players," he said.

"But most of all I'm over the moon for our fantastic supporters who deserve this promotion to the top level of non league football as well as all or our sponsors and the people behind the scenes who you don't see much off but their hard work is never forgotten.

"It has been a long process to get to this juncture but I am so relieved that our fellow clubs throughout the National League have decided upon this decision and I thank them for that."

King's Lynn Town were founded in 2010 after the previous club, Kings Lynn, went out of business.

In recent years they've enjoyed a remarkable rise under their manager, former Norwich City defender Ian Culverhouse, and now find themselves just one promotion away from league football.

King's Lynn Town chairman Steve Cleeve on promotion, the manager, and planning for the National League, via Zoom