Swan pulled out of a deal to buy Harriers at the start of February

Blue Square Bet North strugglers Redditch United have been taken over by businessman Chris Swan.

The Stratford-based entrepreneur previously had an offer for local rivals Kidderminster Harriers accepted but withdrew his interest in February.

Swan is determined to turn around the fortunes of a club that are 15 points from safety at the foot of the table.

"I am a committed football supporter and I want the strong heritage of the team to continue," he said.

"I am looking forward to working with the club, the team and especially the fans as we develop its potential."

Swan initially made an offer for financially troubled Harriers, who are fifth in the Blue Square Bet Premier, in December but that proposal was rejected.

He then had an offer accepted before pulling out of the deal with a club statement revealing that he was unable to reconcile "fundamental issues".

Redditch have struggled so far this season winning only two of 31 league games.

Off the field things have been equally as difficult with outgoing chairman Ken Rae cutting the playing budget to zero in February, as the club could no longer afford to pay their players, which led to the departure of manager Matt Gardiner and his assistant John Snape.

Simon Redhead has since succeeded Gardiner at Valley Stadium.

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