REDDITCH United defender Richard Softley has urged his manager not to rule him out for the season.

A snapped tibia and dislocated ankle looked set to keep the Valley Stadium favourite sidelined for the entire campaign, prompting boss Rod Brown to consider drafting in a replacement.

Former Bromsgrove and Willenhall Town favourite Mark Creighton has been in talks with the club while Sutton Coldfield Town stopper Exodus Geoghaghan has also been linked.

But after an operation to repair the damage with pins and a plate, Softley is looking to return to action midway through the season.

"I'm setting my sights on the new year," the player revealed from his hospital bed. "I'm going to be in plaster for six weeks but that still gives me four months to get back in training.

"I'm lucky that I'm quite fit anyway and I haven't suffered any breakages in my career so far - just a few knocks and bruises. It's ironic that, bearing in mind the type of player I am, I've gone and done this with a totally innocuous challenge."

Softley, a PE teacher at a Kidderminster school, said he feared the worst when the injury happened in last week's Jimmy Davis Memorial Trophy clash with Watford.

"I was running back with their centre forward and as I hooked the ball away, the studs in my left boot got stuck in the grass.

"I saw the angle my foot was at and then the pain just got worse and worse.

"But I still managed to wave to the crowd - it's the first time I've ever had a standing ovation!"

n It was two defeats in a row for Redditch as they were beaten 2-0 at Bath City on Saturday.

Scott Partridge fired the West Country side ahead on 23 minutes, following a good run by Ricky Hulbert, with Sam Duggan doubling the advantage midway through the second half.

Andy Sandall had an effort cleared off the line while Martin Paul also went close for the Southern League Premier Division side.

Redditch's best period came at the start of the second half when Evans saved well from Chris Murphy before Richard Field headed wide.

And the Bath keeper also needed to produce a stunning double save to deny star man Murphy and Scott Rickards.

Reds assistant boss Gary Whild said the opening friendlies had been more about improving fitness than winning, the results being secondary.