REDDITCH United boss Paul Smith has strengthened his squad with the additions of goalkeeper Reece Francis and defender Andy Parsons.

Francis is a player that the boss knows well from his time at Bromsgrove Sporting and is delighted at the prospect of having the keeper between the sticks at the Trico Stadium.

He said: “He was my number one, so he is a player that I hold in high regard and trust. He ticks all the boxes, and I know he will be an asset for us.”

Meanwhile, Parsons, who was instrumental in helping Alvechurch achieve back-to-back promotions, has been described by Smith as a “no nonsense” central defender and a “quality addition”.

“It is no secret that I have been looking to strengthen us defensively. With the recent additions of Ed Wagner, Rob Evans and now Andy, we now have a solid defensive base to build from.”

Subject to paperwork, both should be available for this weekend’s Evo-Stik South – Premier Division Central trip to Tamworth (3pm kick-off).