OPPOSITION FOCUS | Dagenham and Redbridge (A)

The Key Info

Founded: 1992

Nickname: The Daggers

Manager: Lee Bradbury

Stadium: The Chigwell Construction Stadium (Victoria Road)

Capacity: 6078

The History

Dagenham & Redbridge were founded in 1992, following a series of mergers as Leytonstone, Ilford and Walthamstow Avenue joined forces to form Redbridge Forest. This then saw the merger with Dagenham FC to form the club that they are today. Despite only existing for 33 years, Dagenham & Redbridge have experienced a combination of non-league football, as well as experiences within the Football League.

Whilst their early years proved to be a matter of fine margins of achieving promotion into the Football League, the 2006/07 season saw the Daggers top the table, earning promotion for the first time in their existence. The next years became about establishing themselves within the division, which they began to build upon with every season.

The 2009/10 season saw the Daggers promoted following a 3-2 playoff final win over Rotherham United to achieve promotion to League One. This was the highest that Dagenham & Redbridge have played, with relegation confirmed back to League Two after just a season. Whilst the last decade has been tough, the arrival of Lee Bradbury could be the push required to make an immediate return to the National League.

The Manager: Lee Bradbury

Lee Bradbury has been confirmed to be the new manager of Dagenham & Redbridge ahead of this upcoming campaign, and has equipped with him a wealth of experience throughout his coaching career. His first managerial spell came at AFC Bournemouth during the 2010/11 season, before a short stint as assistant manager at Portsmouth.

After this, Bradbury got his first taste of non-league management at Havant & Waterlooville, where he spent 7 years. His most recent stint of coaching has been part of Darren Moore’s coaching staff at Port Vale. Bradbury has developed within his time in management, as he looks to propel the Daggers straight back to the National League at the first attempt.

LAST FOUR:

LOSS AWAY 1-2 vs Hampton & Richmond

DRAW HOME 2-2 vs Tonbridge Angels

DRAW AWAY 0-0 vs Salisbury

LOSS HOME 0-2 vs Ebbsfleet

Star Man: Andy Carroll

The announcement of the signing of Andy Carroll was a massive talking point in the National League South, as the addition alerted many media outlets. Joining the club after his departure from French side Bordeaux, Carroll has had an extensive career with experience in the top flight of the English football pyramid.

In 2009, the transfer of Andy Carroll from Newcastle United to Liverpool made the striker the most expensive British transfer. After a 2 year spell in Merseyside, Carroll moved south to London as he signed for West Ham United. His six year spell with the Hammers saw the striker make over 100 appearances, scoring some key goals.

After moving back to Tyneside in 2019, Carroll returned to Newcastle for two years before short spells at Reading, West Brom, Amiens and most recently Bordeaux followed. Carroll is a physical striker with an aerial presence, as he will look to hit the ground running for the Daggers.

The Skipper: Timothée Dieng

After being announced as club captain ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Timothée Dieng joined the Daggers ahead of this season, and will look to utilise his EFL experience to fire the Daggers up the table. Beginning his career with Grenoble and Brest, Dieng moved to League One to play for Oldham Athletic. Following this move came spells at Bradford City and Southend United, where Dieng became captain and made over 100 appearances at the Shrimpers.

Dieng moved to Exeter City in 2021, producing a cameo of 15 goals to help the Grecians achieve promotion from League Two. A move to Gillingham followed where Dieng spent 2 years, including a loan to Cheltenham Town during that period. As an experienced player, Dieng has showcased his leadership as a professional throughout his career and will look to continue this as a Dagenham & Redbridge player.