Andy Carroll takes charge at Dagenham & Redbridge
Andy Carroll has secured his first managerial position following the dismissal of Lee Bradbury from Dagenham & Redbridge. The sacking came just two weeks after KSI, a prominent YouTuber and entrepreneur, acquired a stake in the National League South club, reports BritPanorama.
Bradbury was relieved of his duties on Wednesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Dagenham achieved a 3-2 victory against Farnborough. The club expressed gratitude towards Bradbury in a statement, acknowledging his contributions during his tenure.
The statement read: “We are very grateful to Lee for his focus, professionalism, and commitment during his time at the Club and for his contributions, both on and off the pitch, to stabilise the club last summer.” Carroll, a former England international, will step in as a caretaker manager, having sustained an injury that has sidelined him since mid-December.
Carroll arrived at Victoria Road last summer after leaving Bordeaux and he also holds a minority share in the club. His new role as manager adds complexity to this arrangement, especially as he transitions from player to manager. This Saturday, Carroll’s debut will see Dagenham host Torquay United at Victoria Road, where he faces Neil Warnock, a venerable figure in football management with over 1,000 professional matches to his name.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, has ambitious plans for the club, aiming to elevate Dagenham to the Premier League. Since his involvement, he has spoken of guiding the team to unprecedented heights, stating, “I want to do the unthinkable. I want to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League.”
Currently, Dagenham sits 12th in the National League South, six points outside the playoff spots. KSI’s investment has positively impacted matchday attendance, as seen during the recent home victory over Dorking Wanderers, where crowds significantly increased compared to previous matches.
In this fresh chapter for Dagenham, Carroll’s leadership will be closely observed as the club navigates its ambitions against the backdrop of a competitive league, a new managerial setup, and the weight of increased expectations.
