FIERCE rivals Bromsgrove Rovers and Redditch United could merge under plans being considered by the two clubs.

Redditch boss Gary Whild, who is also one of three directors of the Valley Stadium club, admitted it was one option being looked at.

Crowds have dwindled this season with just 166 turning out to watch the midweek Blue Square North match with Alfreton Town at the start of November.

Few details have yet to emerge about how such a deal would work, but it is thought that games would be played at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground with the club maintaining United’s place in Blue Square North. A similar merger took place between Solihull Borough and Moor Green.

“You have to look at all the options and a merger would be a way of bringing money into the club,” Whild admitted.

“From a football point of view it makes sense and sounds like it would be a strong set-up.

“Politically and socially I’m not sure how it would work, but uniting East and West Germany was a non-starter until the wall came down.

“It is certainly an option but there are a lot of boxes that have to be ticked before something like this can happen. While a merger is an option, getting just 150 supporters to a league game isn’t.”

He added: “There is too much negativity at Redditch. It is hard work to a run a football club at this level and you have to be realistic and work out what’s best for the club rather than keep burying your head in the sand.

“The team is not being supported — it has become secondary to everything else and that is a pity because we are playing some of the best football I have seen since I have been at the club.

“I believe you have to look six months ahead in football and so we need to start looking now to decide how we will move forward.”

Rovers’ director of football Steve Daniels said Redditch approached Rovers about a merger and confirmed talks had taken place but chairman Tom Herbert is adament the Victoria Ground club will not change its name.

However, the plans have been met by stern opposition from the consortium trying to take control of Rovers.

Spokesperson Phil Baker said: “There is total opposition from both sets of supporters to such a move.

“We know that Redditch United have difficulties and that Rovers are going through a poor spell but merging the two clubs is not the answer nor it is necessary.

“If Tom has problems at the Victoria Ground then we urge him to hand Bromsgrove Rovers over to its supporters.”