The Daggers currently sit in 17th position in the National League, in what has been an underwhelming, lacklustre season.
However, as a result of newly found funding, the club will be aiming for a promotion push in the 19/20 season.
“I think all the players know that the minute we get safe, we’re going to be building for next season. We’re not looking for any more than that. And if players want to show me that they want to be here next year, and they’ve shown me that they’ve improved in the season, there’s a fair chance I’m going to want them here.”
American Investment
In September 2018, an American entity was confirmed to be investing in the East London club, essentially saving it from disbanding. The investors, including businessmen Peter Freund and Craig Unger, and former Manchester United, Everton, and U.S.A. goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Club Improvements
George Benson, the Daggers’ Media Officer, spoke of the early impact from the club’s new American investors:
“The new owners have already made a number of improvements on and off the pitch. They started with the new seats in the Carling Stand and other general bits of maintenance around the ground. A new scoreboard has recently been added that is visually one of the best in the division.
“They have spent large amounts of money on securing players like Angelo Balanta and Kenny Clark. Without this type of investment in to the playing staff, the club would more than likely still be occupying a relegation place in the National League.
“There is also potential work taking place over the summer to enhance, move, and improve the club shop and media offices at the ground, which once again shows the ambition of the American owners, as they look to get back into the football league and expand the club’s reach and overall fan-base.”
Tim Howard’s Vision
Speaking at a fan forum in January, Tim Howard outlined the vision for the East London club, stating that the plan was to “climb that (league) ladder”, but that the main motivation “is the fans, and the soul of the football club.”
The event allowed fans to listen to, and ask questions on, the new direction that the club is going in, and what the new investors are able to offer.
It’s refreshing to see an upswing in the fortunes of a local East London club, and particularly a club so integral to the community in Dagenham. Hopefully the club will go from strength to strength under the new guidance in place.
