INSPIRATIONAL Wisbech Town captain Paul Cousins has promised fans he has no intention of leaving the club he loves to join fierce rivals King’s Lynn Town.

Cousins moved quickly to end growing speculation this week after being spotted with joint King’s Lynn boss and former Fenmen manager Gary Setchell, who is openly looking for a centre-back, at The Walks.

The 28-year-old said: “Setch is a good friend of mine from his days at the club but he hasn’t approached me and even if he did I wouldn’t be going anywhere.

“I went to Lynn to watch a game of football and that’s it. No disrespect to anyone who has joined Lynn but I feel it would be a step down especially now they’re playing in the United Counties League (UCL) because the Ridgeons League is a better standard of football in my eyes.”

The brave centre-back, who has missed the club’s last two matches after a knee operation, admits he has learnt from his last experience of leaving the club.

Cousins joined Dereham Town at the start of the 2008-2009 campaign but returned to the Fenmen after Dereham thumped them 6-2 in the last league game at Fenland Park.

“I’ve left before and football’s just not the same when I’m not playing here,” said Cousins, who grew up in Wisbech and now lives in Friday Bridge.

“It broke my heart when I came back with Dereham and it made me realise just how much I love this club. I’ve learnt the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

“I’d play for nothing because it’s my hometown club so money isn’t an issue either.

“I’d be more than happy to stay here for the rest of my footballing career because I love leading the team out. When I was a kid I’d always dreamt of being captain and I’m still proud of that fact.”

Fenmen boss Steve Appleby, who was disappointed to lose Stuart Cobb this week after he decided to leave, is delighted with the news.

Appleby said: “Paul’s a local lad and he’s such a good player who leads by example.

“You want to build teams around players like Paul. I’d never want him to leave because not only is he a great player but his presence is massive.

“He deserves the praise he’s been getting this season as his performances have been superb.”