REDDITCH United boss Ian King is ready for battle to commence to decide his line-up for the opening game of the new season.
The Reds end their warm-up matches on Saturday when they tackle Aston Villa (noon), with the players being urged to use it as the final audition for first fixture of the BetVictor Southern Premier Central at home to Banbury United on August 10.
Redditch have bolstered their squad by securing Solihull Moors duo Dan Sweeney and Callum Coyle on a three-month loan deal.
Striker Sweeney and midfielder Coyle have both joined until December 31, though Moors will have a recall option after 28 days if they need it.
Reds manager Ian King says the pair will add to his attacking options, with Coyle getting on the scoresheet in Tuesday night’s 1-1 friendly draw with Worcester City at the Trico Stadium.
“We are delighted to have secured the services of Callum and Dan for the first half of the season,” said King.
“Both are forward-thinking players, who have impressed me greatly and they will give us extra attacking options to supplement other forwards at the club.”
Sweeney had come through the ranks at Kidderminster Harriers before joining Moors last summer and the 21-year-old had loan stints at Leamington, Hednesford and Halesowen Town in 2018-19.
Coyle has progressed through Moors academy and the 19-year-old has already made a handful of first-team appearances for Tim Flowers’ side. He had spells at Hednesford, Nuneaton Borough and Grantham last season
Coyle had opened the scoring against City in midweek but the visitors levelled late on through Demetri Brown.
The Reds had swept aside a young Mansfield Town side 4-1 last Friday, with King pleased to see how the squad is settling together. The test, he says, is to take the positives into the season, with every player fighting for a shirt.
The kick-off for the Villa showpiece has been moved to noon, with the club hoping for a bumper crowd.
The Reds juniors will be mascots for the game against the Premier League newcomers.
Admission is £8 for adults and £6 for concessions, with under-14s admitted for £2 with a full paying adult.
