IMPATIENT Redditch United boss Paul Smith has warned his players they must improve following this week’s 2-0 defeat at play-off prospects King's Lynn.

The result has left Reds hovering just above the Evo Stik South Central Premier Division drop zone and Smith stressed: “We must be better, otherwise I will make changes.

“I’ve told the players in no uncertain manner and left no-one in doubt that we’re in a dog-fight now.

“We’ve just come through a tough run of fixtures and I knew it was going to be a tricky spell for us. But we’ve not picked up enough points in the process and the players have to take some responsibility for that.

“Our recent results have not been good enough and the players need to start stepping up to the mark. If they don’t, I won’t hesitate to make changes”.

Reds now embark on a three match spree where Smith will demand a maximum return, starting at home to Needham Market this Saturday.

Smith will be boosted by the return from injury of his former Blues and Partick Thistle player Jack Storer.

The Reds boss confirmed: “Jack’s return will give everyone a huge lift. He trained well last week and I could have included him in the side against Kings Lynn, but I decided to give him another week."

Reds travel to Banbury United next Tuesday and then host St Neots Town at the Valley on the following Saturday.

Smith added: “You don’t become a bad side overnight and basically it’s the same players who beat the likes of Alvechurch, Halesowen Town and Rushall.

"But it’s not insignificant that we’ve struggled since losing Ahmed Ali. The three games coming up are all very winnable.

“However, I can’t rule out the possibility of some reinforcements coming in. In got several irons in the fire at the moment and there’s a chance someone could be in for the weekend.

Smith also revealed that striker Dave Reynolds had returned to former club Malvern Town purely to get games under his belt. Smith was at pains to point out: “Dave’s got a bit rusty and needs to sharpen up. The door remains open to him”.