DARREN Byfield has said his Redditch United squad are ready to kick-off the Southern League Premier at home to Chesham on Saturday.

The recently-installed Reds boss, 39, knows he’s got a tough challenge ahead to build on the club’s second-placed finish last season.

He’s had to almost completely rebuild a squad after Liam McDonald, who guided United to the play-offs, left for Hednesford and took a host of players with him to the Pitmen.

United kick-off the campaign on Saturday against Chesham at Stratford’s DCS Stadium as work to add an artificial 3G pitch to their Valley Stadium home has been delayed.

Byfield — who has signed the likes of Clayton McDonald, Duane Courtney, Clinton Morrison — is content with the 18-strong squad at his disposal.

He said: “We’re ready for the start of the season. I hope the momentum we have built up in pre-season will continue.

“I am very pleased with the players, they have demonstrated an excellent attitude listened to what we want from them.

“You can never tell what’s going to happen but we’re definitely ready.”

Byfield was also confident his side could cope with playing their first two games away from the Valley while renovation work is completed.

After Chesham, United go to Stratford for a derby clash on August 9 and then visit Weymouth on August 13.

United’s second ‘home’ match will be played at Bedworth’s Oval Ground on August 16, with their first match back at the Valley Stadium on August 27 against Kings Langley.

“I am not worried and there will be no excuses,” said the manager. “The chairman has given us a lot of notice, so it’s not a surprise to us and we know that the club is working towards something special.”

United added two more players to their squad when they signed midfielder Liam Spink and striker Jake Healey, both who impressed in pre-season.

Meanwhile, former Bromsgrove Rovers attacker Delton Francis has replaced Kyle Patterson as Byfield’s right-hand man.

The former Birmingham trainee had previously been at Continental Star and also coached for West Brom’s youth academy.

Byfield added: “Unfortunately, Kyle has to concentrate on his personal life and family right now but I am delighted to have Delton come in, who has his (Uefa) A licence.”