WISBECH Town fans have pleaded with inspirational captain Paul Cousins to turn down King’s Lynn Town’s latest attempt to sign him.

Defender Cousins, 28, is a fans’ favourite for his all-action displays at the heart of the Fenmen’s defence. Steve Appleby’s captain returned from a month lay-off with a groin strain to help his side lift the Ridgeons League Challenge Cup with a 1-0 win over Wroxham - the club’s first trophy in 16 years.

However, Lynn have approached Cousins who has revealed he needs time to think about their offer. Appleby is said to be fighting the club’s corner but understands his skipper’s need to mull over the decision.

Spencer Larham, the club’s website and programme editor, announced the news last night and urged fans “to let Cousi know just how important he is to Wisbech Town”.

Forum poster Neil said “Come on Paul you bleed red not yellow, you’re Wisbech through and through. Stay with us and lift the league title trophy next April in front of all the Wisbech faithful and Cousi fans.”

His sentiments were echoed by Spanish-based fan ‘Big Dave’ who declared: “We are very much a club on the up and Cousi you are a very important part of it.

“If you read the Lynn forum there appears to be so many problems and not all of the factions are pulling together. It appears it is not a happy situation there so stay where the people appreciate you.”

Alex Street, Scott Cubberley and Billy Smith left Wisbech to join King’s Lynn Town last summer and former boss, Gary Setchell, the joint Lynn manager. Smith has already returned to the Fenmen with Cubberley leaving The Walks to take a break from the game.

Poster Only1JackieG said: “There ain’t nothing to think about surely as Cousi is Wisbech through and through.

“Don’t fall for the lies Cousi just look what it has done to Billy Smith and Cubbs. No doubt they were promised the world as well and now look at Cubbs. Lynn have dented his confidence that much that he has quit football.”

Posters Cate, Born and Bred, Australian fan Tonyfromwindsor, Alan the fly and Richard - who called the 28-year-old “Mr Wisbech” - also posted their pleas to help convince Cousins that his future lies at the Tom Wood’s Beer Fenland Stadium.

Poster Key2Driving summed up most pleas when he said: “I was shocked at the news that Paul would even consider a move.

“As I’ve said, he is an inspirational leader and the obvious pride that he had

to lead the Fenmen to glory was shared by all of us fans. Money comes and goes, pride lives forever.”

Wisbech finished fourth in last season’s Ridgeons Premier Division and look set to make a serious promotion challenge next campaign.

Cousins’ praised the club’s fans - who made the Fenmen the best-supported team in the league last season - for their role in the side’s success last campaign.

Speaking after the Fenmen’s league cup triumph the 28-year-old said: “We could sense what it meant to the fans.

“They follow us every week in big numbers and they’ve been brilliant throughout the season. The fans helped us get through the second half. You could hear the lot behind the goal all game and it was such a boost.

“This is my proudest day as a footballer. To win this with my hometown team and lift that trophy was a brilliant feeling.”

Cousins spoke exclusively to the Wisbech Standard last October as rumours circulated that he was set to leave the club to join King’s Lynn Town. He insisted at the time that money would never be an option in him leaving the club.

The Fenmen’s skipper said: “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.

“I’ve left before and football’s just not the same when I’m not playing here. 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 that 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.”