Crest of Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club

Dagenham & Redbridge

The Daggers

Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club, nicknamed “The Daggers,” is a non-league football club based in Dagenham, Essex.

Established in 1970, they currently compete in the Vanarama National League, which is part of the fifth tier of English football. The team calls Victoria Road their home ground.

At the time of writing, Ben Strevens is the current manager with experience at Eastleigh among his past roles.

History

Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club, formed in 1992 through mergers of several amateur clubs, experienced rapid changes in its relatively short history. Their early years were marked by instability, including financial troubles and relegation to the Isthmian League. However, under the guidance of managers like Ted Hardy and Garry Hill, the club stabilized and achieved significant successes, including returning to the Conference and making impressive FA Cup runs.

John Still’s tenure as manager was transformative, leading to the club’s ascension to the Football League in 2007. Their journey in professional football was challenging, with relegations and promotions, but notable for their resilience and ability to punch above their weight, especially in FA Cup performances.

Financial difficulties were a recurring theme, impacting the club’s performance and leading to player sales and management changes. The arrival of Trinity Sports Holdings in 2018 marked a turning point, providing stability and resources that led to improved performances and securing their status in the National League.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the club managed to maintain its competitive edge, finishing the 2020/21 season strongly. Throughout their history, Dagenham & Redbridge demonstrated remarkable adaptability and competitiveness, often defying expectations and overcoming obstacles to achieve commendable success in English football’s lower leagues.

Staff

Current management and coaching staff

Alumni

Former players and managers elsewhere in the non-league pyramid