From our tremendous play-off journey and its eventual heartbreak to this year's crippling financial turmoil, the BT Sport cameras have been there to capture some of our most integral post-relegation moments, broadcasting the highs and the lows in equal measure. Moments such as the second Maguire-Drew equalised in the semi-final against Forest Green were quickly cancelled out by those overriding it just three days later, as the players solemnly watched the home celebrations unfold around them.
That contrast not only portrays the turbulence of football especially in this division, but shows that BT Sport have witnessed some of our most important clashes over the last couple of years, which have come to define the circumstances by which they were played against a backdrop of. So, as the Daggers make their debut on the channel this weekend away to Eastleigh, there's every chance that this, too, could prove a monumental occasion under the cameras: the first victory of our new American era. It comes after a hectic week at the club, where some surreal off-pitch news has coincided with an equally-pleasing upturn in fortunes on it too. Last Friday, it was announced that an American Consortium comprising of several highly-regarded sports franchise owners in the states, plus Premier League icon Tim Howard, have acquired 58% of the club. This came as a huge relief and, finally, a reward for what everybody has had to contend with over the last few months. The resignation of Glyn Hopkin, the consequent fire-sale of valuable players and the fear of not even having a team at one stage made for a distressing year. However, thankfully, we can now all move forwards and, for us, that means we can focus on one game at a time without worrying about the future. So, with a stable infrastructure, the Daggers head to Eastleigh on Saturday for a match which promises to be difficult, but one where we can realistically get something. The main thing about this game is that we focus on ourselves, because trying to nullify the physical presence of Chesterfield on Saturday, rather than placing our attention on how we can hurt them, made things more difficult than they had to be. Recently we've proven the quality of football we're capable of playing and that's been evident in our recent results. There aren't many teams who've enjoyed a better September than the Daggers, who are unbeaten in the month and full of confidence. The defence is more secure, the attack more potent and the younger players playing with maturity way beyond their years. After the euphoria and relief of the first victory against Braintree, which itself followed a positive point against Salford, confidence is coursing through our veins. We've since beaten Barrow with a last-minute goal, before last Saturday saw a solid point earned against Chesterfield. Though the Spireites are badly out of form, if anything that made it a harder game for us because they were very one-dimensional and put many men behind the ball, which made them hard to break down. However, though we were far from perfect and failed to match our own recent expectations, we got the goal eventually and as a result, will enter this weekend's game feeling we're capable of beating them. Eastleigh will be very similar to Chesterfield in the sense that they're on a disappointing winless run. As a team, generally, they've distinctly ordinary and always seem to fluctuate between the mid-table and narrowly above the drop zone; they're always too good to go down, but rarely any better than that which means they never really threaten for anything, They're a bit of a low-key club who can lurk in the shadows of the division, despite having the resources to do much better. They've always been a side synonymous with money, but that was dealt a significant blow in the summer when chairman Stewart Donald left for Sunderland. That said, they've still got a number of players who can hurt us. Paul McCallum, their most significant threat, has five goals this season and, in terms of stature, will offer a very similar challenge to Tom Denton last weekend. Mark Yeates is another who will be integral to anything his team produces. Under Andy Hessenthaler, the Spitfires will definitely be an organised and well-drilled unit, who will be determined to earn their first victory since August. Their recent results have been two quite impressive draws against good opposition in AFC Fylde and Hartlepool United, which is even more evidence of the challenge they'll present. However, as the previous results show, they can also concede goals. They conceded 4 at Harrogate, were beaten against Maidenhead and suffered another defeat against Ebbsfleet. They're better away from home than at the Silverlake, where they've won only once all season and four times in just under a year. In terms of personnel, Taylor will probably persevere with the side, because at this stage to change a team who are getting progressively better, would surely be counterproductive. We have the luxury of squad depth, meaning there is some sort of Plan B to resort to if need be. For Eastleigh, there's been a major change with the departure of well-known goalkeeper Graham Stack, who has announced his retirement from football. As a result, just a few hours ago, Eastleigh announced the signing of replacement keeper Max Stryjek on loan from Sunderland. Hopefully the Daggers can take advantage of the new keeper's lack of familiarity with his teammates, and continue to build on the feelgood factor around the club. It's going to be a tough game, especially with the added pressure of the TV cameras for some of our younger players, but I'm sure we won't be fazed. Eastleigh are a beatable team and we should enter the game with no fear. We have a good record at the Silverlake - let's continue it tomorrow lunchtime. Up the Dags.
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One of the few advantages that we discovered upon the dreaded yet then-inevitable drop to the Vanarama National League back in 2016 was BT Sport's impressive coverage of the division. As well as a regular highlights package, they continue to broadcast many live matches across the season which, when we were flourishing at the top of the league, enabled us to showcase our capibilities to much of the nation. So, as Daggers make their debut on the channel for a new campaign against Eastleigh this weekend, I profile our nine post-relegation BT Sport appearances, which have seen us rack up 3 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats. DAGGERS 3 WREXHAM AFC 0A completely rebuilt Dagenham & Redbridge side had begun their first non-league campaign in a decade with devastating intent and, as they hosted the first TV-broadcast game at Victoria Road in six years, sat in a healthy second position after winning four of their five games played. Against a dismally lacklustre Wrexham outfit, the Daggers would go on to produce a magnificent display on a sun-kissed afternoon in East London. Oliver Hawkins scored a brilliant hat-trick in the first half and that was what separated the teams, while a certain Corey Whitely also announced himself to the supporters with a lively cameo. DAGGERS 0 TRANMERE 0A vast contrast to their last appearance on BT Sport, Dagenham's home game against Tranmere Rovers on the opening weekend of October was played against a miserable backdrop of heavy downpours and violent thunderstorms, which set the tone for a low-key affair at Victoria Road. Tranmere Rovers, playing their first game under the temporary charge of Paul Carden, had a huge chance to win it in the dying embers of the game, while Dagenham hit the bar through Christian Assombalonga, also in the latter stages of the contest. All in all, a drab encounter, but Daggers preserved their lead at the top of the table. DAGGERS 3 BRAINTREE TOWN 0Seeing their title hopes slowly ebb away, owing to a sloppy run of form which included a loss to Braintree Town days prior in the first installment of this festive double-header, John Still's side simply had to get three points in what was the final match to kick off in the first gameweek of 2017. Thankfully, though, the Daggers got it right on a bitterly freezing, pitch-black night under the floodlights. Though they were already leading at this point through Maguire-Drew, a reckless sending off for the visitors effectively ended the game and allowed Dagenham to return to winning ways comfortably, with Guttridge and Whitely sealing it. LINCOLN CITY 2 DAGGERS 0As a frantic season neared its end, Dagenham headed to runaway leaders Lincoln City in a match of immense magnitude, which could potentially have a significant influence on the final standings of the table. Nobody needed any reminder of how massive the game was but, unfortunately, Dagenham were awful throughout as they produced a bitterly underwhelming display. An injury to Ollie Hawkins (broken arm), adding to their already-large tally, restricted them to very few attacking forays. In the end, goals from Matt Rhead and Elliot Whitehouse sealed the contest, and pretty much denied Daggers any chance of the title. DAGGERS 1 FOREST GREEN 1As Jordan Maguire-Drew slammed home to send most of Victoria Road into sheer jubilation, the prospect of a trip to Wembley, and in turn an instant Football League return, was quite conceivable. It was the first leg of a play-off semi-final, the last year in its current format, and Dagenham were really up for it. In a tremendous home display, they battled from the injustice of a disgraceful penalty decision to roar back and earn a draw, which set the scene for a make-or-break trip to Nailsworth three days later. FOREST GREEN 2 DAGGERS 0It was make-or break, all or nothing, but sadly for Dagenham the end of a fantastic journey that didn't deserve to conclude with our dejected supporters watching Forest Green invade the pitch, after they'd soundly beaten us 2-0 through ex-Dagger Christian Doidge and Keanu Marsh-Brown. After such a monumental effort throughout the campaign, it was one game too far for the Daggers, who failed to carry through the momentum from the first-leg. Forest Green didn't 'crumble', we didn't deliver, and now FGR are a Football League team. chester 0 DAGGERS 4Sensational was how Adam Virgo described it as Dagenham & Redbridge delivered memorable a second-half performance to make it three wins in a row, and cap their first BT Sport appearance that season in scintillating fashion. A lacklustre first-half, plus a terrible penalty from the misfiring Corey Whitely, pointed to a miserable and frustrating day for Dagenham. However, from the moment Sam Ling flicked them ahead in the second 45, they were irresistable and, as Chester imploded, they twisted the knife. Cheek scored twice and Luke Howell bagged the other on a positive trip up North. SUTTON UNITED 2 DAGGERS 1In hindsight, we now regard this as the period where the club was falling apart behind the scenes to such an extent that promotion was the last thing on our minds. While, unbeknown to us, Steve Thompson was being advised to liquidate the club, the wounded Daggers were looking to bounce back from a very difficult few weeks on the pitch too. It was dubbed as a promotion battle by BT Sport but the lunchtime kick-off at Gander Green Lane was anything but a battle; Sutton hit the woodwork four times in the first-half. Dagenham survived and might've thought the luck was with them, but those hopes were soon disspelled. daggers 0 ALDERSHOT 2Under a month later, things had severely escalated as the devastating news of our financial plight swept through the National League. As several key players were sold to free up the wage bill, it was a much lesser side that took on promotion favourites Aldershot, far from ideal opposition when you need a pick-me-up. This game will prove to be one of my most memorable because of the brilliant support from our fans in the face of adversity, and the intensity was matched on the pitch with a brilliant battling display. It was a 2-0 defeat in the end, but the Daggers can consider themselves slightly unlucky.
After a lengthly spell of gloom which saw the club fall from promotion challengers to relegation strugglers amongst crippling financial struggles, there finally appears to be hope; the investment we sought has finally arrived and it offers immense promise. As we all hope to reunite in this cause, hopefully that long ordeal triggered by the exit of Glyn Hopkin, will be consigned to the history books as a negative chapter which paved the way for more successful times.
Yesterday came some incredible and frankly inconceivable news which sounds too good to be true, but after what supporters have had to contend with recently, feels like a glorious reward. A consortium made up of wealthy Americans has bought the club. These include, amazingly, a minority shareholder in one of the biggest sporting franchises in the world, New York Yankees who also tried to buy Aston Villa for 75m, and ex-premier League great Tim Howard. It's all ridiculous, truth be told. No doubt our minds will wander to a period in our history, maybe in the non-too distant future, where we are flourishing under these new owners. However, today it's back to the gristle and grind of Vanarama National League football. Never will the absurdity of this situation be better illustrated than when our new owners worth billions, who have flown in for the game, see a non-league team continue to battle relegation infront of a crowd of around 1000 people. However, hopefully we can continue to impress them with the vibe around the club, which has been significantly raised over the last few weeks. An improved situation off the pitch has coincided with an equally rapid improvement on it, as we are unbeaten in September after previously picking up just a solitary point from seven games. A battling draw against Salford preceeded narrow victories over Braintree Town and Barrow. With no goals conceded in any of those games, there are signs of optimism. We've been playing well, and as soon as that first victory came, it's no surprise that the momentum carried us through to a second. Today we will have bundles of confidence, which will suit us playing against an under-pressure side. Martin Allen's Chesterfield have mirrored our form this season, but in a negative sense. The Daggers didn't win in their first seven before being unbeaten in their last three, while Chesterfield won their first three yet, despite looking strong candidates to mount a challenge for an instant EFL return, embarked on a woeful run which saw them winless in seven, including six straight defeats. They haven't scored in five. They will need to win, and failure to do so will almost certainly result in Martin Allen being sacked. In a desperate attempt to change their fortunes, they've taken advantage of the lack of Transfer Window in this division, dipping into the NL North to sign Tom Denton. The experienced and talismanic striker has been a torment to us in the past and, as well as posing a big threat, indicates the style of football his side have now reverted to. Another player capable of causing us trouble is Zavon Hines, a very familiar face. Zav played for us for a couple of seasons but a frustrating injury not only ended his spell with us, but overshadowed one season in which he was comfortably the best player in League Two. For a while, he was absolutely unplayable and you have to wonder where he could've been, were it not for various injuries and niggles. He will be a danger, but a defence with three consecutive clean sheets should approach him with confidence. While Chesterfield signed Denton, we were also busy in the transfer market since our last home game. We made a double swoop in Liam Bellamy and Jack Munns, both of which played midweek in a friendly at Canvey Island. They should be in contention today but Peter Taylor will be wary of changing for changing sake. We have a good formula, things are clicking, it would be unnecessary to change. They do, however, offer something to the team and eventually they will prove an asset I'm sure. Elsewhere, after his national side shipped ten goals in midweek, Alex Mcqueen returns to the team but probably won't displace Gavin Hoyte, who has seized the right-back space and made it his own. Another returning player is Noel Leighton, who will be fighting with Adeloye for a place alongside Romain, who is simply undroppable at the minute. Personally I feel he'll go with Adeloye, who is gradually getting better and better, but Leighton can also do a good job if needed. So a big game for the team, but I feel we can do this today. How long has it been since we've approached a game with this much confidence?There should be a real feelgood factor around Victoria Road today and, if the players absorb it, then there's every chance we'll be out of the relegation zone by 5pm today. Up the Dags! Not since that pulsating play-off semi-final clash with Forest Green Rovers in 2016 has a game at Victoria Road held so much significance. Already embroiled in a certain survival battle which promises to be challenging, frustrating and painful, we're in a situation where nothing but a victory will be good enough tonight. It may seem slightly early to refer to any game as a 'must win', but such is the severity of the situation, that it deserves such a label.
The fact that we're only in the first week of September creates the impression that the season is barely underway. However, tonight's game is the ninth we would've played. The longer that the wait for a victory goes on, the harder it'll be as more pressure falls on the players. Therefore, it's vital that we get that first three points' haul as soon as possible because it really could spur us on as the schedule continues to throw up difficult games. There won't be a better chance, therefore, to win than tonight in what is a battle of both remaining winless sides. Braintree Town, having miraculously beaten three higher-placed teams away from home in the play-offs to earn promotion to this league, have struggled massively so far. They're in exactly the same situation as us so, unlike Saturday's clash with Salford at Victoria Road, neither will be content with a point. It's all or nothing. This has the look of a game which could be potentially defining, one of those that you look back on as a turning point. With tight margins playing such a huge part in this division, the three points at stake tonight could be the ones we wouldn't be able to survive without. However, if we lose - which is a thought that doesn't bear thinking about - then already we are playing catch up and the lost points will conversely be the ones which, upon reflection, we see as a missed opportunity. The game that got away, the one where we just fell short, and ultimately paid the consequences. That's not an option. Braintree are undoubtedly a poor team but, like us, seem like much a better side than results suggest. In drawing at home to Hartlepool, and repeating the feat away at Boreham Wood, as well as getting a point at Barnet, the Iron have succeeded where we failed recently and already that shows that they're no pushovers. Not only have their three accumulated points been earned against teams who defeated the Daggers, but they've been resilient enough to come from behind in two of those. So we have two teams who have been slightly unfortunate. Similarly to how Daggers were beaten at high-flying Halifax, for example, Braintree were unfortunate to lose against Havant & Waterlooville, in a game where they were 3-2 up with stoppage time on the horizon, yet somehow contrived to lose 3-2. Elsewhere, they've been beaten yet not disgraced against Halifax, then-soaring Chesterfield, Maidenhead and Barrow. Their on-pitch situation is very similar to ours. While Brad Quinton's outfit were earning a draw at Boreham Wood, the Daggers faced the monumental task of Salford City. They escaped with a point made attainable by Danny Lloyd's petulant red card, though should've done more when faced with ten men. Both their points have come at home to ten men, which isn't great, but recently the Daggers have been good, cut out the mistakes and genuinely it seems as if that elusive win really is looming. A first clean sheet of the campaign, especially against a star-studded attack, supports the idea that our fortunes are changing and we're learning from our mistakes. However, with two first-choice centre-backs going off through injury against the Ammies, we may be weaker tonight. Hopefully, though, it as purely through precaution and the two players (Pennell & Davey) will be back to produce another solid display at the back tonight. So where does that leave Peter Taylor? Well, his situation remains largely the same. Recently, with a quick-fire turnaround of games, he's made changes in order to give some players a rest. we saw this with Noel Leighton playing against Barnet and so, after consolidating his place at the weekend, we may see Adeloye back in the starting lineup. Kandi and Phipps, both omitted for unknown reasons, may return to the squad. Donovan is back and we need him in that midfield. Assuming the worst, which would mean Davey and Pennell are both out, then three centre-halves becomes impossible to employ, unless Hoyte plays there temporarily. He would likely convert Will Wright back to his natural position and he would probably partner him with Goodliffe, who was superb Saturday. This would mean Donovan would probably take Wright's place in the centre. However, hopefully Pennell and Davey are unharmed, so Taylor can name his strongest lineup. Justham, Gordon, Goodliffe, Davey, Wright, McQueen, Harfield, Robinson, Donovan, Romain, Adeloye, Reynolds is the likeliest lineup, though it's difficult to anticipate. Pennell has been rested before so even if he is fit enough to play tonight, could be rested as he was against Barnet. The biggest task of that team would be to restrict Mo Bettamer to very little in terms of an attacking capacity. We can't give away cheap free kicks either - their star man has scored two stunners from distance already so far. So the stage is set for a match which is going to be crucial. As a spectacle, it will be cagey yet entertaining as both teams go for the victory, given that such an opportunity may not arise again. The league tabel tells the story: Dagenham 24th, Braintree 23rd, both winless. Please, let tonight be the night where we get our reward, because everybody around the club deserves it richly. All that's left to say is COME ON YOU DAGGERS, but now we have to leave it to the boys. They know the importance, and will be confident. Striding of the pitch on Saturday, Peter Taylor said 'It'll be three Tuesday' - he better be right. Divided by ownership, finances, quality and ambition, this may seem like a mismatch on and off the pitch. However, boosted by the news of a promising potential takeover by an American consortium, the Daggers will be looking to continue their positive performances recently by finally making one of them count, and relieving the pressure already mounting on the bottom two, who are at risk of being cut adrift.
Monday's narrow reverse at Barnet marked their fourth consecutive 2-1 defeat in a row, which tells a story in itself. Every mistake or slight lapse in concentration usually gets punished this season but hopefully we can turn things around and the first three points will be crucial to that. For as long as this winless run persists, more and more strain is put on the players yet they all know that the fans are completely behind them. At this level, Salford City need no introduction. The unknown little outfit have embarked on a meteoric rise through the divisions, seeing their once Sunday league-esque ground transform into a stylish, modern stadium. This is no AFC Wimbledon or Burton Albion however, and the rise of the Ammies has been a direct consequence of the money pumped into the club by the Class of 92. Over the summer, they've made some very notable and slightly unfair signings. The main coup, which has caused controversy, was Adam Rooney from Aberdeen, who has already began to flourish in the National League with five goals from seven games. Such was the shock evoked by this signing, rumoured to be on a staggering 4k a week, that other equally brilliant arrivals went under the radar. Danny Lloyd was highly thought of at Peterborough while Nathan Pond established himself as a regular goalscorer in League 1 from defence. Both got off the mark in their recent win over Barrow. Salford may be a big side in this division, but they haven't enjoyed an electric start to the season. They've been solid if unspectacular, but the fact that they've drawn against teams such as Havant offers the Daggers hope for today. Salford have been much better at home than on the road, where they are yet to taste victory. They've been beaten by Sutton United and Gateshead, which gave them an enlightening wake-up call about the quality of this division. Today there's absolutely no disgrace in losing; Salford should be blowing sides such as us away with all the cash that they've invested into the club. A well-organised outfit, with a good manager in Graham Alexander at the helm, should be blitzing an inexperienced team of youngsters. However, this is the National League and that's not how things work. Anybody can beat anybody and there's no reason why we can't nick something today. Hopefully we can do what teams have done to us so far, by doing nothing before striking a deadly blow. Taylor has a good variety of options to select from including Harry Donovan, who was recalled by Millwall only to sit on their bench in the Carabao Cup, and then rejoin us two days later. Taylor could opt for the team who lost to Hartlepool, or the one who were defeated at Barnet, or merge the two. Noel Leighton played well at the Hive and I'd love to see us somehow accommodate him, Adeloye and Romain. When nothing is expected of the Daggers, that's when we can can cause the shocks. The pressure is off us today and the emphasis will be on the away side to win. In reality, though, anything could happen and as long as we see a dedicated and passionte performance, I'll be happy. |
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January 2024
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