REDS boss David Faulkner is adamant that although he may the new owner, Redditch United belongs to the fans.
And he’s relying on those fans – and the wider community – to get behind the Bromsgrove Road club and support it to the rafters.
“I may well have given myself a world of pain here, and we won’t find out for another three or four years if it will work out,” said Faulkner, who took over the club from Chris Swan earlier this month.
“It’s scary stuff, but I’ve got confidence in what we have here although I can’t do everything on my own.
“I’m just the custodian. I can’t do without the people we have here and we can’t do without the support of the fans.”
By any reckoning the Redds had a dreadful 2019-20 season, finishing bottom of Southern League Premier Division Central, doomed to relegation, they escaped by the skin of their teeth.
Faulkner however points to strong results as the curtain came down on the truncated season and says new signings have strengthened first team manager Wayne Spicer’s hand.
“Things did not work out last season, but we have got six or seven players who have played in the football league and the team out front is looking good,” said Faulkner.
“And just look at the league – we have Bromsgrove, Stourbridge, Rushden & Diamonds, Stratford – this is a dream league for us, every other match is a local derby.
“It would be cataclysmic if we were relegated – it would cost us £30-£40,000.”
Away from the league the club has been growing too, driven by the demand for use of the 3G pitch.
“People point to Bromsgrove Sporting with so many fans coming through the gate,” said Faulkner.
“But when the 3G went in we went from being an average club to being a 24/7 operation.
“We have 3,000 coming through our gates, fans, parents, we have teams from Under 9s to over 50s, we are a massive club and we have to remember that.
“I’ve an idea of how we can manage things in the future and the potential is enormous.”
