DARREN Byfield says his drive to build a side good enough for promotion next season is the reason for Redditch United's current slump in form.

The Reds have not won for seven games and have now gone nearly seven hours without finding the back of the net.

That poor form since Christmas has seen the club drop to mid-table and has left their promotion hopes in tatters.

The disappointing run then continued as they lost 2-0 at home to Chippenham Town last Saturday.

However, Byfield says he is more than happy to take a backward step in the short-term if it helps his preparations to forge a side that can be a force next season.

"At the start of the season we were going through a sequence of winning two then losing three and I just wasn't happy with that," said Byfield.

"A lot of people have asked me why didn't I just stick with that, but it's all about not being happy with your lot and wanting more.

"I made changes because I wasn't happy winning a few but losing a few more, I want to improve things and learn exactly what we have and exactly what we need to challenge for promotion, which is what I have done now.

"If we have to take one step back to take two forwards then so be it.

"This difficult spell will only help us next season. I'm quite upbeat at the moment despite the defeats and that is because it has helped me to understand what I have to do."

Byfield selected himself for the game against Chippenham but was again left to rue individual errors.

He added: "It was the same old story for us. We did well but then made silly mistakes and didn't take our chances.

"It's frustrating because people just need to do the simple things and clear their lines. I can't fault their effort or attitude but we have to eradicate the mistakes.

"It's clear now that we're playing for next season, be it with the boys we have or with some experience we bring in. I will be playing a side with the view to building for next season.

"The only reason I played myself on Saturday was because I was a voice. We are lacking leaders on the pitch.

"I know we need firepower as well and I'm working hard to drive around to matches to identify the people we need."

The Reds are now set to play three of the bottom four in quick succession, starting with Hayes and Yeading United away this Saturday.

"It is important that we get back to winning ways because the extra confidence will help us," said Byfield. "But I will get it right and I know that if we play how we have done over the last few games then we should pick up points."