Chris Swan (right) with new Redditch manager Martin Sockett

Redditch United chairman Chris Swan says the Reds are targeting a place next season's Southern League Premier Division play-offs.

United, who were relegated from the Blue Square Bet North this season, appointed Martin Sockett as their new manager last week.

"Our objectives are to be very competitive and to get into the play-offs," Swan told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"Martin has got to turn around a squad fairly rapidly and I am going to work closely with him to help him do it."

Despite finishing bottom of the Blue Square Bet North, Redditch have resisted the temptation to completely overhaul the squad and the majority of the playing staff have been invited to return for pre-season training.

"There are some very good youngsters and some good players who worked very hard last year," added Swan.

"They will benefit from working with Martin as he is a great man manager."

After former chairman Ken Rae cut the playing budget to zero last season, Swan has stated the Reds will have funds that should be enough to compete in the Southern League.

"The budget is based on existing gates so we have done a business plan based on our present income streams," he said.

"We had 325 people coming through the turnstiles for our last game of the season although obviously we would look to make that better as we are more successful.

"As regards the corporate income, we have based our budget on the existing streams from that and so this is the budget Martin will be given."

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