NEW boss Ian King says work is already well underway to prepare Redditch United for next season.

King arrived to take over at the Trico Stadium after previous manager Paul Smith left to join Halesowen Town after successfully keeping the Reds in the Southern League Central last term.

After spending several years working at clubs such as Birmingham City and Northampton Town in the professional ranks, and also Leamington and Daventry Town at semi-professional level, the new man has been keen to hit the ground running.

He said: "I'm pleased to have got the job and am excited to be here and to start the work that's needed.

"There is work to be done, like there always is at this time of year, but the timing allows me the time I need to come in and form the best team for the coming season.

"Plenty of work has already been done. I've spoken to the players that were here last season and told them we'd like them to be involved and have a number of people already lined up to come and join us for pre-season.

"We have players that are keen to come down and help me shape the playing squad ready for the new season.

"It's going to be a busy pre-season but we've got plenty of games lined up already and the opportunity will be there for people to show us they want to be part of what we are building."

On his goals for the coming campaign, he said: "The ambition is to get a team that gives the fans entertaining football and football they want to come and watch. I also want players that show the fans they will give everything for the shirt.

"I want us to finish as high up the table as we can and hopefully get us into a healthy position while having a side the fans can relate to and are keen to back.

"That will also involve making sure the players here understand that Redditch is a club that can go places and I want to get them to embrace that and understand what the club is capable of if they give everything they can."

King will also will continue in his current role with the Football League and currently coaches at Northampton Town with players within the professional development phase of the club.

However, he has no concerns about being fully focused on the task at the Trico, adding: "I'm dedicated to the job and know I'll be able to give it the required time and focus to make it a success. As far as scouting, matchdays and training, I'll have time to do all of that."