Andy Carroll’s promising managerial stint at Dagenham & Redbridge extended with another victory on Saturday, as his team defeated Hampton & Richmond Borough 3-1. The 37-year-old former Liverpool and England striker took over as caretaker manager last week following the dismissal of Lee Bradbury by new minority owner KSI.
Back-to-Back Triumphs Propel Dagenham
Carroll’s first match in charge delivered a 1-0 win against playoff contenders Torquay United, setting a strong tone. Stan Leech starred in the latest outing, netting a first-half hat-trick to secure the three points and mark Dagenham’s third consecutive victory. The Essex club now pushes toward the playoffs in the National League South, sitting in 12th place.
Carroll, who joined Dagenham last summer as a player and scored six goals in 12 appearances before a December injury, also holds a minority stake in the club. He managed from the sidelines in all black, maintaining composure until the goals flowed, then celebrating passionately.
KSI Cheers from the Stands
Social media star KSI, real name Olajide Olayinka Williams ‘JJ’ Olatunji, attended the match wearing a club shirt. He joined celebrations on the pitch at full-time after watching the game livestreamed from the stands. KSI received a warm fan welcome at his debut game earlier this month, a 1-0 victory over Dorking Wanderers, which he also livestreamed alongside Carroll.
Club Ambitions and Challenges
KSI outlined bold goals after acquiring his stake, stating: “It’s surreal, bro, out of this world. The idea of it excites me so much. Years ago, I saw the excitement, the happiness, the joy. I want to bring that back and then surpass it. I want the place to be pumping, I want it to be rocking, I want it to be an event whenever you come here.”
He added: “Playing a video game and owning a football club is very different, I know that, but with Race to Division One (his FIFA YouTube series), it was a journey. It was hard, but in the end, I did it. With this club, I want to do the unthinkable. I want to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League. It’s obviously going to take time, but I’d say the realistic goal is getting out of this league and entering the National League. We need to improve the team, make some additions that really take it to another level, and I want to build the community.”
Carroll faces a personal legal matter, scheduled for trial in January after pleading not guilty to breaching a non-molestation order related to repeated contact with ex-wife Billi Mucklow, with whom he shares three children. Breaching such an order carries a potential five-year prison term.
