REDDITCH United's approach for Halesowen Town hitman Kerry Giddins looks to have fallen through after a counter-approach from Stourport.

After appointing veteran striker Tim Langford to replace Redditch-bound manager Rod Brown, Swifts approached the Yeltz about taking Giddins, who is in dispute with the Black Country club, on a two month loan.

Halesowen have offered Brown striker Alfie Carter on a similar basis but Reds assistant Gary Whild says the club is not looking for a quick fix.

Brown snapped up Kidderminster Harriers teenager Tim Jackson last week and the 19-year-old winger made a goalscoring debut in the disappointing 3-1 loss to Atherstone United.

Defender Brendan Hackett has been signed from Stourport but was ineligible for last night's planned Worcestershire Senior Cup tie at home to high-flying Solihull Borough.

The former Stourport player-coach is set to make his Reds debut at fourth placed Clevedon Town on Saturday (ko 3pm).

And the Scot will add an international flavour to his squad this week - with a signing from Alliance strugglers Oldbury United!

Forward Craig Hawkins has moved to England for a new job after a career as a professional with Brisbane United.

After a couple of games with Oldbury, Hawkins has linked up with The Reds, the Aussie was also ineligible last night but is in contention for the weekend.

Brown was this week set to talk to Rushall Olympic defender Chris Homer about a move and the club are looking at a couple of unnamed former Reds youth-teamers and lining up a seven day approach for a mystery striker.

Leading scorer Paul Danks was available last night despite a niggling thigh injury and winger Scott Colcombe was set to figure after a week off training because of continuing knee trouble.

Defender Tommy Byrne is available after a dead leg against Atherstone but fellow stopper Nigel Niblett is facing a two week lay off with a thigh problem.

Midfielder Mark Swann could be in the squad for the Clevedon match after a return to full training and forgotten man Paul West could be in contention within a fortnight after stepping up his recovery from knee and ankle injuries.

Whild confirmed strikers Neil Beagan and Joey Dowling, midfielder Jamie McWilliam and goalkeeper Matt Jones, who guested for Studley BKL last week, had left the club.

Brown last week promised the fans there would be no repeat of the performance against Atherstone but with matches against the third and fourth placed sides and a Dr Martens League Cup tie at home to Premier Division Moor Green (ko 7.30pm) to come Whild said the going would be tough.

The league match against the now-defunct Bloxwich United on Saturday, December 22 has been cancelled.