ROD Brown has resigned as boss of Redditch United.

He made the decision prior to Saturday's 3-1 defeat at home to Harrogate Town - a result that keeps Reds teetering on the edge of the Conference North relegation zone.

Brown said matters came to a head when United chairman Pat Cremin cut the budget in half after poor results and falling attendances at the Valley Stadium.

An embargo was then placed on the club scuppering Brown's plan to bring in Walsall keeper Rene Gilmartin. Instead, the manager had to call on rookie teenager Ryan Cornelius.

"I have been asked to cut the wage bill by 50 per cent but it just cannot be done," Brown said. "The chairman is putting me in an untenable position as I have made commitments to players right from day one.

"It is impossible to cut the wage bill by half when you have commitments to six or seven players who are on contract and have others on loan.

"It would mean a budget which I believe would be unworkable in this league - it would be smaller than when we were in the Southern League.

"The final straw came when I went to sign a player only to be told we couldn't because of an embargo placed on the club because of debt that hasn't been paid.

"It is a sad day but the situation is untenable here now. You cannot do the job if you cannot sign a player.

Assistant manager Gary Whild and coach Kim Casey were due to take charge for United's game with rivals Worcester City last night.

Brown added: "I have had fantastic times here and enjoyed tremendous success. We have all been on a great journey - a double promotion and success in the Birmingham Senior Cup.

"I was given a good reception by the fans after the game and I want them to remember the good times we have had.

"I am a winner and I have a lot to offer the game so I hope to be back in football fairly quickly."

n Whild will be without suspended trio Scott Rickards, Asa Charlton and Mark Creighton when Redditch take on Moor Green at the Valley Stadium on Monday, December 26 (ko 1pm).

But he hopes to be able to recall keeper Richard Anstiss from his loan at Boldmere if Nathan Vaughan does not recover from his shoulder injury.