UNDER-FIRE Reds manager Rod Brown has vowed to keep United up and promised critical fans a top six side next season.

Valley fans have called for Brown's head on the redditchunited.com and thisisrufc.co.uk websites after Saturday's dismal 5-0 loss to Shepshed but the manager issued a defiant response.

"The fans have every right to their opinion and I agree the Shepshed game was a disgraceful performance," said the Redditch manager.

"But when I came to the club I said I was going to keep Redditch in the league.

"That was my brief and that is what I will do and we will lay foundations for next season.

"If this club got relegated for whatever reason I would expect to go but I have succeeded with everything I have done in football as a player and a manager."

Stourport forward Southwick has agreed to join after talks with Brown on Sunday and is expected to put pen to paper tomorrow night.

And Brown will also talk to out-of-favour Solihull forward tomorrow with a view to signing him in time for Saturday's trip to bottom club Swindon Supermarine (ko 3pm).

Defender Lee Knight returns from suspension at the weekend and strikers Paul Danks (back), and Lee Booth (neck) are set to return from injury.

Midfielder Richard Field completes his ban on Saturday and will be available for Tuesday's relegation clash at home to Racing Club Warwick (ko 7.30pm).

Assistant manager Gary Whild confirmed the appearance of Bromsgrove Reserve striker Liam O'Neill on Saturday was a one-off.