NOTHING but promotion to the Dr Martens Premier Division will do for Redditch United this season.

This is the task facing new manager Rob Smith, his assistant Jan Mulders and coach Mark Dearlove as they embark on their first full season in management.

Smith believes he is up to the job and has the full backing of the players and the board as the Reds embark on their 10th season in this division.

Last season the Reds narrowly missed out on promotion, finishing third in the league, but there is plenty of optimism that this is their season.

The pre-season build-up has given everyone confidence and the five new players brought in during the close season have improved the side.

Smith is aware he is under pressure.He said: "I am the sort of person who thrives on pressure, but I know what it will take for this team to win the league."

Chairman Rod Laight is aware it is a gamble picking a manager with limited experience but believes Smith is the right man.

He said: "People will see him as inexperienced but I have seen his qualities when he was youth team manager.

"He has brought organisation, discipline and motivation to the fittest squad I have seen assembled at Redditch United.

"We know he has the commitment and, with his back-up team, can bring the latest coaching techniques and methods.

"Rob is certainly under pressure and he does not have to be told this. He is already feeling some of this, as this is the season we have to have promotion."