GAZZA mania hits Redditch next week when his Kettering Town side take on the Reds at the Valley Stadium on Tuesday.

And United boss Rod Brown is calling on supporters to get behind their team for the crucial league clash.

"Kettering have a big away following and it is vital that we have as many of our fans at the ground as possible," he said.

"Gazza has got Kettering playing some good football since taking over and it is good for the game that he is raising the profile of the league."

Tuesday's game is one of three for the Reds at the Valley Stadium in the space of eight days.

Worksop Town are the visitors on Saturday with Barrow making the long trip to Redditch next weekend for their FA Trophy third qualifying round clash.

Brown knows all will be tough but is aware the cup tie offers his team their last chance of silverware this season.

"We were looking for an easier tie as the last thing we wanted was another Conference side," he explained.

"The only positive thing is that we have a home tie but our form at the Valley is not that good at the moment.

"But we had a good win at Workington and I am beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

"In terms of ability, the players we have at the club are better than those we had last season. What we have been lacking is that battling spirit but there was plenty of that on show at Workington."

Brown added he was hoping to extend Scott Dann's one-month loan from Walsall and was also hopeful of having midfielder Joe Broad back at the club.

Broad played for the Reds at the start of the season before being recalled by Saddlers' boss Paul Merson.

n Redditch United are throwing open their doors for supporters looking to buy tickets ahead of the Kettering league game.

Club chairman Pat Cremin explained fans could avoid the queues on matchday by buying advance tickets.

He said: "Supporters will be able to buy them on Saturday and also from the club on Monday evening, from 7-9pm and from 10am on Tuesday morning."