KING’S Lynn Town have released former Wisbech Town captain Paul Cousins following his alleged affair with a team-mate’s wife.

The Linnets joint boss Kevin Boon quit yesterday after Cousins’ alleged affair with his daughter, Michelle, the wife of Lynn striker Robbie Harris.

But the club have now released a statement confirming they have released Cousins - fuelling speculation that Fenmen boss Steve Appleby could be about to offer him a sensational return to the Fenmen.

A statement from the club said: “King’s Lynn Town Football Club have this morning taken into account all aspects of the recent events involving Paul Cousins.

“The club have decided that his actions lacked respect for his fellow players and team and have therefore released him with immediate effect.

“Robbie Harris will rest for tonight’s game at Market Deeping and hope that he will make a full return for Saturdays home game.

“We would like to thank the supporters who have shown support for the club and Robbie Harris in such a difficult time, our focus will now be on regrouping and ensuring that the fantastic season we have experienced so far continues.”

Lynn had previously refused to discipline Cousins, prompting Boon’s resignation.

The off the field drama led to Fenmen boss Steve Appleby making a cheeky bid to persuade the centre back to return - just months after he left Wisbech to join their fierce rivals.

Earlier today, talking exclusively to the Wisbech Standard, Appleby insisted he would consider taking the former fans’ favourite back.

Appleby said: “I was gutted when Paul left but he did so on good terms and remains a good friend to me and many of our players.

“If he became available again I’d have to look at Paul’s footballing abilities and leadership qualities not his prowess in the bedroom.

“He has always been a top player for me and I’d have to look at the bigger picture and do what’s best for Wisbech Town Football Club if he left Lynn – although that hasn’t happened at this moment.”

King’s Lynn issued a statement clarifying Boon had resigned following what they described as a ‘fall-out’ with the ex-Wisbech captain which came to a head after Lynn’s 4-2 FA Cup win over Quorn at the weekend.

Fellow joint boss Gary Setchell – who previously managed the Fenmen - will now be in sole charge for tonight’s United Counties League Premier Division trip to Deeping Rangers.

Boon said: “It is a huge wrench to leave the club when things were moving in the right direction, but no-one is bigger than this football club – and that includes me.

“I would just like to thank everyone who supported me and the people still at the club who are all working to try and build football back up in the town.

“I respect Gary as a friend and a manager and it goes without saying I wish him all the best, but I cannot accept the situation the way it is at present.”

Boon told journalists in King’s Lynn that “I want Cousins suspended but that the club are continuing to play him. It’s a principal at stake.

“Cousins may be the team captain but to me you cannot defend what he has done in breaking up the marriage of my daughter and son-in-law.”