REDDITCH United chairman David Faulkner has issued a rallying cry calling on the town to aid the club’s promotion push.
The Reds enter the final eight games of the campaign just one point outside of the Southern League Premier Central play-off places.
And Redditch host play-off rivals Needham Market at the Valley Stadium this weekend on Saturday, March 21 with kick-off at 3pm.
The Reds have also reached the Worcestershire Senior Cup final and the semi-finals of the Birmingham Senior Cup.
The club have also made strides off the pitch with Redditch’s social impact report valuing United’s impact on the town at £3.9million.
And Redditch also recently became just the second recognised carbon neutral football club in the world.
With progress achieved on and off the pitch, Faulkner wants the town to show their support in the closing weeks of the season by filling the Valley Stadium.
Faulkner said: “There are only a few weeks left of the season, and right now Redditch United stands on the edge of something special.
“Our team has produced an exceptional campaign. We are firmly in the play-off race, we have a cup final to look forward to, and week after week the players have delivered performances at the Valley Stadium that this town can be proud of.
“Across the club we have worked hard to build something that represents Redditch in the right way – something that belongs to the town and gives people a reason to feel proud.
“Recently we stepped in to save Redditch Youth and Community Enterprise, the organisation that operates the Redi Centre.
“It was important that the town didn’t lose something so valuable, and we look forward to sharing some very exciting news about its future very soon.
“We also recently announced that Redditch United has become the world’s second carbon neutral football club. All of this progress gives Redditch something to feel proud of.
“But football clubs at our level survive and grow through the support of their town.
“Over the past few seasons we have seen incredible growth in attendances, with the club recording the highest average crowds in its history.
“Now we have the chance to push that even further.
“Redditch is a town that can be home to a football club competing within the National League structure. Achieving that would bring new energy, new opportunities and greater recognition for the town we represent.
“But none of it happens without the town standing behind its team.
“Now, as we approach the most important games of the season, the team needs the backing of the whole town.”
And Faulkner feels there is no better time for the people of Redditch to get behind the team than at Saturday’s crunch clash against Needham at the Valley.
Faulkner added: “Our next home fixture sees us welcome Needham Market to the Valley Stadium on Saturday.
“They are a team who are also pushing for the play-offs. It is a huge game, one that could have a major impact on where the season ends for both clubs.
“Quite simply, it is one of the most exciting league matches we have hosted in recent years.
“So this is my message to the people of Redditch.
“If you’ve supported the club for years, we thank you.
“If you haven’t been down for a while, now is the time to come back.
“If you’ve never been before, come and see what this team is building.
“Bring your friends. Bring your family. Fill the Valley Stadium and help push this team over the line.
“Because when a town believes in its football club, incredible things can happen.
“The players are ready
“The club is moving forward.
“The town is ready.
“Now let’s do this together.”
