REDDITCH United manager Rod Brown is hoping to reap the rewards after securing wing back Simon Hollis services until the end of January.

The goal-laden wide man has sparked United into life with his prolific form and helped transform a mid-table side into the top six contenders manager Rod Brown has long claimed they should be.

Hollis, who left Damson Park after a fall-out with manager Dave Busst, was set to head back to Solihull Borough after the visit of Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday (ko 3pm).

But Brown has spoken to Busst and persuaded the Borough boss to let Hollis stay on until January 30, making him available for the matches against Bromsgrove Rovers, Rocester, Swindon Supermarine, Cinderford Town and Gresley.

Brown has agreed not to play Hollis against his Solihull teammates and Borough have the option of recalling their contracted player at any time.

The Reds boss said nothing more permanent had been arranged but would love to secure the wide man's services on a permanent basis.

Solihull are purported to be seeking a £3,000 fee for the contracted youngster.

If Hollis wants away, a tribunal would be needed like the one which decided winger Alex Cowley's value after his protracted move from Stourport Swifts in the close season and if Hollis' scoring streak continues he could be valued nearer Solihull's estimation than Redditch's.

But Brown echoed chairman Neil Pagett's view that a £3,000 fee would be too high.

Brown set his side a target of nine points from four tough festive fixtures ahead of Saturday's 2-0 loss at Cirencester and will now need wins at Stourport on Thursday, Merthyr and at home to Bromsgrove on New Year's Day.

The manager says spirit in the camp has improved since fans' favourite Lee Knight's departure to Solihull.