REDDITCH United’s new player/coach is ready to draw on his Football League experience to help develop talented youngsters at the club.

Danny Jackman made more than 300 appearances for a string of sides after being released by Aston Villa. He featured at Stockport County, Gillingham and Northampton Town before heading to Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City.

“I’m hoping to use my experience at Redditch to help out the youngsters and trying to bring them along,” the 34-year-old explained. “I still want to play as much as I can and I still have the hunger and the desire for the game. But I also want to nurture the young lads and help them improve. I’m here to assist Darren [Byfield] so whatever he wants me to do I will give my all which is what I’ve always done.”

Jackman was a teammate of the Reds boss when at Villa and when the pair discussed the role at the Trico Stadium, the timing was perfect. The Worcester-born midfielder had been assistant to John Snape at City last season and coaching was something he wanted to carry on with.

“I absolutely loved doing it and it’s something I wanted to do more of,” he explained. “The opportunity wasn’t there at Worcester so when Darren explained what he wanted me to do here it was really encouraging.

“I spoke to the chairman as well as Darren and they were both ambitious. It’s a club I wanted to get involved in. Darren is someone I know well and someone I trust so hopefully we can form a good team and work well together.”

Jackman picked up Player of the Year awards at both Northampton and Gillingham and admits he’s looking forward to making his debut on the 3G pitch.

“Getting to my stage in my career it’s going to be good to play on a nice pitch,” Jackman admitted.”I never used to like coming here as a player because of the state of the pitch but now we can look forward to playing every week.”

Jackman is unavailable for the opening pre-season game at Coleshill Town on Saturday but will be back for the first home friendly – against Halesowen Town on Tuesday, July 4.

Meanwhile, one of the Midlands’ leading car dealers is backing United this season – hoping to steer them to glory with a lucrative shirt sponsorship deal.

And the Reds’ promotion drive will be further fuelled with one of the country’s leading car parts specialists sponsoring the away shirts.

The new home and away kits have been supplied by Sondico as part of their four-year deal with the club – a new-look yellow and blue design joining the traditional red and black.

Chairman Chris Swan has added his name to the front of the men’s home kit with Trust Group UK – Redditch’s VW and Skoda dealers – appearing on the front of the women’s shirts. They will also be the reverse of shirt sponsor on all the kits.

Brand Manager Jon Hands said: “We’re delighted to give our support to Redditch United and to back the excellent work they are doing in the community."