King’s Lynn player suspended by club – reason why revealed by journalist

There was a lot of shock and confused on Tuesday after news broke that a King’s Lynn Town player had been suspended by the club.

The announcement of the punishment handed to defender Rory McAuley comes just three days after the Linnets completed their debut National League campaign.

They endured a memorable 4-4 draw against Aldershot Town at The Walks, finishing the campaign in 21st place, picking up 31 points from 42 games played.

A statement released on the club’s website, and it said: “Rory McAuley has been suspended from all football activities at King’s Lynn Town Football Club with immediate effect.

“The club will make a future statement in due course.”

McAuley played a total of 17 times for the Linnets during the National League season, most recently in the 4-1 loss to Chesterfield on the 11th of May.

Though now it’s been confirmed why the King’s Lynn player has been suspended by club.

He will appear before Norwich Crown Court later in June, accused of conspiring to supply a class A drug.

Police say Rory McAuley is currently on bail following an initial hearing before magistrates in Norwich last month.

In a statement issued, Norfolk Police said a man had been arrested in Hethersett on the afternoon of May the 13th when a car was stopped and found to “a large quantity of Class A drugs.”

A second arrest was later made at a house in Norwich where further class A drugs were discovered.

McAuley, 31, of George Fox Way, Norwich, has been charged with conspiracy to supply a class A drug and being in possession of criminal property.

He initially appeared before magistrates on the 15ht of May, where he was conditionally bailed to Norwich Crown Court for a hearing on June the 14th.

Ismail Thompson, 29, of Harsnett Close, Norwich, will also appear at the crown court on June the 14th, having been bailed there by magistrates charged with conspiracy to supply a class A drug.

A third man, and three women, all in their 30s, who were also arrested in relation to the incidents, have been released under investigation pending further inquiries.

Exclusive: King’s Lynn Town defender Rory McAuley has been charged with conspiracy to supply a class-A drug and is set to appear at Norwich Crown Court later this month.

The 31-year-old has been suspended from all football activity by the Linnets. https://t.co/596ajzMQ4p

— Daniel Moxon (@dmoxon_) June 1, 2021

Fans have reacted after seeing that the King’s Lynn player has been suspended by the club…

@Michaelh2306: Has he twatted Culverhouse or something!

@Graceful_Gashy: Possibly up there for one of the best tweets I’ve ever read 😂

Chris Burton: Ummmm 🤔

Luke Norman: Dealing class a drugs

Len Plain: Luke Norman don’t think he is only one. Ssssshhhhhhhh

Len Plain: Luke Norman, perhaps that’s why Lynn leak sooo many goals.

Antöny Statham: Silly man

Johnny Alflatt: Fuck me what happened to innocent until proven guilty

Chris Burton: Johnny Alflatt I think you should ask Kings Lynn football club they are the ones that suspended him Pretty dam quick Having said that you are right Innocent till proven guilty

Len Plain: Chris Burton best hear wot the player has to to say. But I’ll bet it “no comment” shame. Best always to come clean. Whatever the offense is, or not. Only saying. Some people like to keep things a secret though. But suppose eventually, like everything else, the truth will come out. Viva linnets

Brian D Cobbold: Chris Burton I don’t think the club had much option, considering the serious charges he faces.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Linnets stalwarts Michael Gash and Ryan Jarvis will both be leaving The Walks.

Both men joined the Linnets in 2017 and have played a huge part in the rise of the club securing back to back promotions, propelling the Linnets to the highest level of football the club has ever played.

Always a pleasure! 💙💛 https://t.co/sYrC2Wi6Od

— King’s Lynn Town FC (@officialKLtown) May 31, 2021

Speaking following the announcement striker Gash said ‘It has been a fantastic four season’s and I have enjoyed every moment of it. The club want’s to move in a different direction next season from when I first joined. I have a full time job as a tree surgeon working five day’s a week and having taken things into consideration, including my family, it will not be possible for me to make the commitment the club is looking for. Since my arrival here I have always been looked after very well, been paid every week and had the very good fortune of playing with some very good players as well as making some tremendous friends as well. Ian (Culverhouse) is the best manager I have ever played under in my entire career, everything from man management to coaching is always spot on with him, I cannot thank him enough ‘

Asked about his highlight of his time with the Linnets Gash continued ‘It has to be the super play off winner at Warrington which won promotion from the Southern League into the Conference North. The feeling I had after scoring what turned out to be the winner I cannot even begin to describe! I was happy not just for me but all the other lads as well. The tightness of the group has always been well documented but the atmosphere within the dressing room has been something I have never experienced before, and probably never will and I can honestly say that the best memories of my career have been created at this club’.

Gash concluded by thanking the club’s supporters by saying ‘ I cannot thank them enough, I really can’t. They have been so supportive of me it’s been amazing and I love them all. It would be good to sign off in front of them on Saturday with a goal but a win for the team would be even better.’

Gash has made 160 appearances for the Linnets to date, scoring 42 goals in the process.

That’s how you sign off in style!

Appearances: 161
Goals: 43#WeAreLynn #ThankYouGash pic.twitter.com/5EnrcXRhUh

— King’s Lynn Town FC (@officialKLtown) May 30, 2021

Jarvis also sighted the extra commitment that the Linnets will need for next season as his reason to depart the club. ‘ I have a coaching role at the Norwich City Foundation and I simply could not say yes to the extra commitment needed for next season. I have worked very hard on my coaching role and it is something that I enjoy doing now and also for the future. I can never half commit to anything in life and for me to have done that would have been wrong. I’m 35 next month and not getting any younger . The gaffa has to look at new options and begin building another squad which happens within football.

I have been fortunate enough to enjoy many highlights whilst playing for the club, far too many to remember really. However some of the football that we have played as a team , and at times with friends I have known for years will always stick in the memory . The first season I was here when we lost the play off final to Slough provided me with many wow! moments, some of the play was outstanding and so enjoyable. The manager is without question the best I will ever play for I have no doubt about that, no words can describe. I must thank all of the supporters for the incredible support , both home and away, during the last few seasons. When they turn up in their numbers and really get behind you The Walks is a tremendous place to play and I feel fortunate to have felt that noise and passion on several occasions ‘.

Jarvis has made 150 club appearances to date, scoring 2 goals.

Manager Ian Culverhouse added ‘ It has been a privilege to have worked with two model professionals in Michael and Ryan. They have been a major part in what this football club has achieved in the past few years. Both on and off the pitch they have led by example and been a great help to myself in sharing their experiences with our younger players. I would like to wish them all the very best in what they decide to do in the future and thank them both for their professionalism and drive to push this club forward – they will always be welcomed back with open arms’.

Chairman Stephen Cleeve continued the tributes by saying ‘ I am sure that Saturday will be a very emotional day for us at the football club as we publicly thank two stalwarts who have served the football club so very well over the past seasons. They have been terrific servants for us and contributed so much to get us to the position we are in today. Like me I am very sure that they will both be saddened to pull on the blue and gold for one last time on Saturday and I hope that as many of our supporters turn out and provide the fitting tribute they so richly deserve. I would like to place on record my thanks to them both for everything they have done for the club and I wish them well for the future’.