King: I'm proud to be new Reds manager - The Redditch Standard

King: I'm proud to be new Reds manager

Redditch Editorial 10th May, 2019   0

IAN KING says the chance to become the new manager of Redditch United was simply ‘too good to turn down’.

The former pro and semi-pro player who now coaches Northampton Town’s youngsters has been named as the successor to Paul Smith.

Smith left at the end of the season to take over at Halesowen Town and King becomes the fourth new boss at the Trico Stadium inside 12 months after Tim Harris, Paul Davis and Smith.

King will be familiar to the die-hard Redditch supporters after donning the red jersey during the 2005-2006 season and is confident his forward-thinking style of football and leadership skills will excite supporters off the pitch and generate results on it.




“I am proud to become the new manager of Redditch United,” he said.

“This is an ambitious club, run by a determined chairman to achieve success, so when the opportunity arose, it was one too good for me to turn down.


“I am looking forward to working with the owners, players, staff and supporters, to deliver attacking and attractive football and achieving lasting success that the whole town of Redditch can be proud of.”

The 44-year-old King will continue his role with Northampton where he works with players within the professional development phase.

He had has also had development role at Birmingham City where he helped the progression of players such as Demarai Gray, Nathan Redmond and Jack Butland.

He has also been part of the management teams at Leamington and Daventry Town.

King has held a UEFA A Licence for several years and also has the LMA Diploma in Football Management.

Redditch chairman, Chris Swan, said: “On behalf of the board, players, staff and supporters, I would like to formally welcome Ian to The Trico Stadium.

“Upon meeting Ian, it became clear that his experience and vision for the future was exactly the kind of profile needed to take the club forward.

“When asked what he can bring to Redditch United to take the club forward, it quickly became clear that his understanding of our potential and how to unlock it meant he emerged as the outstanding candidate.

“Ian boasts a wealth of experience that The Reds are confident will help the club achieve its goals and expectations.”

During his early professional playing days, King wore the team colours of both Aston Villa and Stoke City.

A talented midfielder, his semi-professional career included spells at VS Rugby, Rushden & Diamonds, Stevenage Borough, Nuneaton Borough and Kettering Town.

He also had a spell in Australia with Perth Glory and APIA Leichardt Tigers, where he gained valuable coaching and managerial experience, guiding the Tigers to a play-off final along the way.

He played an instrumental role as assistant manager in Leamington’s journey to the National League North, as well as coaching with Worcester City and being joint manager at

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