REDDITCH manager Rod Brown has apologised to United fans after their side's drastic 6-0 capitulation to Clevedon on Saturday and made an about turn by signing Halesowen hitman Alfie Carter.

Reds number two Gary Whild last week told the Advertiser they were not looking for a quick fix and were unlikely to take the out-of-favour Carter on loan.

But after the weekend shambles, Brown has snapped the forward up on a permanent basis and is ready to throw him into what is increasingly shaping up to be a relegation dogfight.

United crumbled on Saturday and had fit-again Paul West and Mark Swann dismissed on a black day at the Hand Stadium and the Redditch boss, still waiting for his first win after joining from Stourport, said it could have been worse.

And Brown said the arrival of Carter, offered to Redditch after fellow Yeltz misfit Kerry Giddins turned down a move, was just the first of several new faces.

Brown is hoping to persuade former Bloxwich United hard man Craig Harris to add some steel to his midfield by signing on Thursday.

It will be the second time Brown has raided the now-defunct Dr Martens Western club after handing an unhappy debut to goalkeeper Neil Olden on Saturday, with the shot-stopper absolved from blame by his manager.

The United chief has made a seven day approach for RC Warwick full back Dave Jackson but Rushall defender Chris Homer is the latest player to snub United after his Midland Alliance teammates beat Barwell to reach the last 32 of the FA Vase.

Full back Andy Bradley and defender Mark Creighton, both signed by Nicky Cross this season, and full back Nigel Brown have been released by the club.

Captain Lee Knight broke down in the warm-up on Saturday and was set to miss last night's planned League Cup visit of Premier Division Moor Green after suffering a reaction to the shoulder he injured against Solihull.

But the former Halesowen Town stopper was set to start a three match suspension last night, goalkeeper Martyn Lakin, another casualty against Borough, was the only other absentee.

United entertain Bedworth United on Saturday (ko 3pm) and Solihull Borough in a Worcestershire Senior Cup replay on Tuesday after the match was switched to the Valley (ko 7.30pm).