Whild looks to ring the changes

Gary Whild is taking steps to rebuild his squad after five departures

Redditch United boss Gary Whild is hoping to have two new players in his squad for the Blue Square North trip to FA Cup heroes Blyth Spartans.

Defender Lucan Spittle has joined them, and he hopes to bring in another player before the game at Croft Park.

"Lucan was around at the same time as Exodus Geohaghan and we have got high hopes for him," said Whild.

"He is a big, strong lad, but he will need time to adjust, although hopefully he will do well."

Whild is also looking to bring in a young striker before the weekend, but is keeping his identity a secret until the deal is finalised.

The Reds boss faces having to rebuild his squad after five players either moved on or were recalled from loan spells at Valley Stadium.

While admitting that losing half his starting line-up is hardly an ideal situation, Whild says it is an inevitable part of managing at one of Blue Square North's smaller clubs.

"It's like having one arm tied behind your back," he said.

"We've been in this situation before where we have to bring some lads in and we've already started doing that.

"Hopefully we can get them on board and they can produce the same type of form as the lads who have moved on."

Among the recent departures are Aman Verma, who has joined Leicester City, and Lee Ayres, offered a deal at Blue Square Premier club Forest Green Rovers.

It's been well documented that the lads have gone on to bigger and better things and you can't knock anybody who takes an opportunity to move up

Gary Whild

Whild accepts that people will point to so many departures as being a clear sign that the Reds are having to cut their budget, but is at pains to stress this was not the reason for the players leaving.

"It's been well documented that the lads have gone on to bigger and better things and you can't knock anybody who takes an opportunity to move up," he said.

"Cash-wise, we're in a situation where we have got to look at that.

"The current financial climate is everywhere at the moment, but none of those players have left because of that.

"It's important to stress that, but good luck to them - they haven't moved sideways or dropped down - they've gone on to forward their career."