FORMER Reds stars Scott Colcombe and Ian Mitchell have hit out at Rod Brown after the United manager released them at the weekend.

Brown continued to overhaul his squad by axing the duo, along with keeper Martyn Lakin, after Saturday's farcical 4-1 capitulation at Cinderford.

And Colcombe warned there could be other players on the move after the manager's cull.

"I've spoken to a number of the lads since the weekend and they all think the decision is a joke," said the former Torquay United ace.

Former Solihull favourite Ian Mitchell, who has joined his brother John at Midland Alliance neighbours Studley BKL also voiced his disappointment.

"It's a kick in the teeth and I'm considering packing it in altogether," he said.

"The most disappointing thing is to be told over the phone."

The Redditch manager defended his decisions and said he was disappointed with Colcombe's reaction.

"I don't think he's the player for a relegation battle. I have to look at a squad which can only be fifteen players.

"I'm disappointed a player with his experience and knowledge has reacted in this way.

"I'm not expecting players to follow him but if they do, fine."

"I spoke to Ian Mitchell and explained that at his age he needed to be playing regularly and sitting on the bench or in the stands was doing neither him or the club any good.

"I believe it can be embarassing for a player to be pulled aside and released at a training session and then have to explain it to the other players but if Ian is upset by how it was done, I apologise to him."

The club also offered Aussie midfielder Craig Hawkins to BKL but Reds assistant Gary Whild said the move was to give the former Tividale man match practice.

Out-of-favour Solihull man Richard Beale has been targeted as a potential replacement for the wide man.

Brown spoke to Beale, forced out at Borough by the signing of Jason Smith from Bilston, this week and was hoping for a decision last night.

Redditch have a clean bill of health for the visit of mid-table Gloucester on Saturday (ko 3pm).