REDDITCH United say plans to install a 3G Pitch at the Valley Stadium will generate much-needed income for the cash-strapped club.

The club has revealed they wish to raise to £900,000 to replace the existing playing surface with all-weather artificial grass, as well building new changing and education rooms.

Chairman Chris Swan is hoping the new pitch would turn United into the centre for football in Worcestershire, providing a reliable surface for the first team and the club’s 28 junior sides.

Importantly, it would be available to rent by other clubs, increasing the amount of money Redditch United can make.

The latest step comes after Swan’s dream of moving to a new purpose built home was ended by Redditch Borough Council last year.

United have taken this decision, after Vanarama Conference clubs voted to allow first team matches to be played on a 3G Pitch.

Vice chairman Sallie swan said: “The new pitch would enable the club to bring in much-needed income and make it pay for itself.

“We have seen how other clubs in the West Midlands have benefitted from a putting down a 3G pitch.

“At the moment we are looking into how we would raise the money for the work, we would hope to get it partially through FA and lottery grants and also hold a number of fund raising events.”

Swan, who had positives talks with the FA, puts in £60,000 each month to fund the club, which only generates 10 per cent of its money through gate receipts.

United will have to receive permission from Redditch Borough Council for the work to go ahead, and are hoping to have the work done in time for the 2015-16 season.

Meanwhile, manager Liam McDonald hailed his defence’s performance, after United edged out Corby 1-0 to book their place in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

They will meet the winners of either Ossett Town or Trafford, who were set to clash in a replay last night, at home on November 15.

He said: “If you look at the results then we’ve got a chance of going a long way in this competition.

“A run in the Trophy is good for the club financially, but it’s also a chance for the players to test themselves against teams from a higher level and at grounds they have never played at before.

“The defence deserves a lot of praise which they don’t always get because of the attacking players.

“Jim Mutton has reached a higher level and is one of the best defenders in the league.”

Redditch will be aiming to stretch their unbeaten seven-game run when they tackle struggling Frome away on Saturday (3pm ko), before going to Rugby Town away next Tuesday in the Red Insure League Cup (7.45pm ko).

“Frome is a big game for us because we want to extend our unbeaten run to eight games,” added the manager.

“If we win, we could move up to second place depending on results, but it would also be good to have the points in the bag if we have a poor run at some point.”