Chigwell Construction Stadium, home of Dagenham & Redbridge – Credit: @SUFCRootsHall
With the Vanarama National League kicking off this week, let’s take a look at how the Essex sides in the division could get on this season.
Dagenham & Redbridge
The Daggers, who finished in tenth place last season, will be looking to have an improved season under Ben Strevens in his first full campaign as manager.
He was appointed as their new boss in March following the departure of Daryl McMahon on a mutual agreement after a three-year stint. Strevens has already started to give the Daggers a new identity with a lot of incomings and outgoings so far.
Seven first-team players were released from the club – including Jay Bird, Ansu Janneh, Ryley Scott, Mauro Vilhete and Yoan Zouma. Also departing the Chigwell Construction Stadium is Matt Robinson who joined fellow fifth-tier outfit Woking. Paul McCallum, a proven goal-scorer at this level, has signed for Eastleigh following his departure. Manny Onariase had his contract terminated.
Dagenham regular in recent seasons, Mo Sagaf, joined Boreham Wood and George Saunders returned to his former side Hornchurch.
Experienced midfielder Josh Rees became Daggers’ first summer addition, having previously played for Boreham Wood.
Ryan Hill was the next new recruit in East London – joining from Eastleigh on a two-year deal and reuniting with his former manager Strevens.
Sam Ling has been a stalwart at right back for Dagenham in the past few seasons and he extended his stay for another season, as well as goalkeeper Elliot Justham and forward Sydney Ibie.
Another departure in the form of Columbian forward Ángelo Balanta who, like Sagaf, put pen to paper on a deal at Boreham Wood.
Tom Eastham, Frank Vincent and Jake Hessenthaler signed from Colchester United, Notts County and Crawley Town respectively. They have additionally signed a few more new players in the last few days – former Charlton Athletic full-back Lewis Page, Charley Kendall on loan from Lincoln City and exciting midfielder Conor Lawless.
A place in the play-offs may be slightly ambitions for Dagenham with the vast number of highly competitive teams in the division and the new additions will need time to gel.
Southend United
To say Southend United’s current financial situation is dire would be an understatement. The Shrimpers are currently under a transfer embargo, and have been since September, meaning they haven’t been able to sign any new recruits this summer.
Not to mention that chairman Ron Martin is yet to pay off a £275,000 tax bill and has debts of £2.5m. A sale has been in the offing for a few months but despite interest, no party has progressed in their attempt to buy the club.
Also, they have not been able to offer new contracts to players which has seen a number of their key stars depart. Shaun Hobson joined fellow National League outfit Oldham Athletic, Chris Wreh has gone to Hartlepool United and Steve Arnold stepped up a division by signing for Sutton United. Also, emerging talent Henry Sandat is reportedly joining Championship side Hull City.
The Shrimpers have only played two games in pre-season so far and even though they have been granted permission to play in the division this season, the club’s future remains in the balance.
Despite this, Jack Wood has returned from his loan spell at Tonbridge Angels where he shone, scoring eight goals in 22 matches. He bagged a hat-trick in their 4-1 pre-season win over Bishop’s Stortford.
