REDDITCH United have had a much-needed morale-booster with the confirmation of a grant for work at their Valley Stadium home.

The Football Stadia Improvement Fund stumped up a huge £27,770 to the club towards the cost of pitch drainage and perimeter fencing.

Chairman Neil Pagett promised fans work on the ground, also shared by Feckenham and Birmingham City Ladies, was imminent, and the sizeable cheque will continue off-the-field developments.

FSIF chairman Lord Pendry paid tribute to the chairman, board and staff of the club for their efforts in securing the grant and the developments come on the heels of the club agreeing a new 50-year lease on the ground.

The latest news is a welcome boost for the club after the departure of leading scorer Paul Danks to arch rivals Bromsgrove Rovers and the United chief, writing on the club website, told fans his view of the reasons for his leading scorer's departure.

"To put the record straight, Paul Danks agreed terms with myself and Rod Brown and said he would only leave to go to a club in the Prem," said Pagett.

"I took him at his word. Even at the presentation evening he gave no indication he was leaving.

"The first we knew about his leaving was on the web.

"We have put together what is likely to be one of the top budgets in our league for next season and told Rod (Brown) to build a team.

"Only when I am confident players are definitely coming to Redditch will I announce names.

"I would rather announce the squad in one go. There are a number of players who have agreed to join us and we are not being complacent."

Vice-chairman Pat Cremin said Brown was working on bringing in seven new faces and refused to dismiss rumours linking the club with former Blues favourite Kevin Francis.

The gangly striker was mentioned as an outside bet for the vacant manager's post after Nicky Cross' departure and would prove a popular choice with United fans.

Brown's interest in Moor Green's former Redditch Player of the Year Martin Myers is well documented and the club have also been linked with Solihull striker Derek Hall, former Worcester defender Martin Weir and Evesham stopper Andy Smith.

Reds hero Lee Knight has rejected an approach from Rovers but Greens striker Sam Bowen is thought to be interested in a move in the opposite direction after being released.

Midfield general Richard Field is reported to have left the club but Studley manager Mark Chambers quashed rumours of striker Peter Sutton moving to the Beehive.