REDDITCH United boss Paul Smith plans to bring in several new signings this week as he bids to rebuild the squad the in wake of previous manager Paul Davis's departure.

Reds were on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat to neighbours Stratford Town under Smith's first game in charge on Saturday.

But Smith insisted: "It was always going to be a difficult task. I estimate that there are seven players who haven't made themselves available since Paul Davis left and there was only so much I could do to replace them."

Smith responded by bringing in Sam Tye and Robbie Bunn from his previous club Highgate United.

He has also added another of his former players Joe Adams who Smith has signed on dual registration from Studley.

Busy Smith also brought in American central defender Ed Wagner on loan from Kidderminster Harriers.

Smith said: "Ed was superb on the day and didn't put a foot wrong against Stratford. He's a good talker, so I made him skipper for the game.

"Ed has been on the verge of the Harriers' side this season but now needs to get games under his belt.

"Initially I have him for one month but there is scope that it could be longer.

"I'm also looking at the possibility of bringing one or two more from the Harriers into the side and it's something I will be exploring further."

Off the park, Smith has brought in Martin Sockett as his assistant manager while Craig Nicholls arrives as coach having previously worked with West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest Ladies.

He has also added Albion's Josh Coney as his goalkeeping coach while Steve McGuinness has joined as his scout.

Smith added: "It's a complete role reversal with Martin Sockett. I used to be his number two when we were both previously with Redditch."

Already Smith expects to have Worcester City marksman Dave Reynolds on board this week, who was due to have a run out against Racing Club Warwick in a rapidly arranged friendly.

Smith confirmed: "We're obviously having to go through a big transitional period at the moment. I have a number of seven day approaches who I intend to speak with this week and I would like to think we could have three to four new faces on board by the time we travel to Biggleswade Town on Saturday.

"That said, I thought we competed very well against Stratford but were undone by two set pieces which we didn't defend very well.

"The lads worked their socks off and did very well when you consider I was having to put square pegs into round holes.

"But it doesn't get any easier as Biggleswade are the only unbeaten side in the Southern League Central Division this season.

"It's really been a baptism of fire, but it's one that I relish."