Four full seasons of disillusioning under-performance on a healthy budget conducive to much greater attainment has left a wounded Dagenham & Redbridge back at proverbial square one this summer, requiring a thorough squad rebuild from their mentally fragile foundations in order to recommence a purposeful trajectory towards the targeted play-offs. Upon inheritance of his predecessor's chaotic remnants, Ben Strevens took little time to concur with the overarching supporter concensus that a substantial proportion should be quelled in a sizeable restructure after witnessing first-hand their wildly unpredictable nature. Orchestrating a morale-boosting late turnaround at Torquay United (though something of a false result as we were poor), only to immediately follow it up by being outclassed against Gateshead, aptly encapsulated how unreliable most are. Following another particularly deplorable performance unforgivably devoid of pride on the very occasion when it was required most at rivals Southend United in mid-April, the new manager passionately declared that he has seen enough to know what is required going forwards, having given every player ample opportunity to earn a place in the long-term plans. Or, in some cases, the rope to metaphorically hang themselves in terms of a future here if indeed they wanted it. The summer Retained List was therefore an intriguing prospect, signifying the crucial first step towards Strevens transforming this squad in alignment with an outlined vision underpinned by non-negotiable principles. There was not complete autonomy in that he is somewhat bound by contractual constraints predating his tenure, which can be mitigated by paying a consummate settlement to the player or transfer listing them as we have with three, but both options require a significant element of external co-operation plus financial outlay from the budget thus consequentially reducing how much we can spend elsewhere. 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁
Inih Effiong, Josh Hare, Elliott Johnson, Elliot Justham, David Longe-King, Harry Phipps, Josh Strizovic, Nik Tavares
𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱
Jay Bird, Ansu Janneh, Paul McCallum, Matt Robinson, Ryley Scott, Mauro Vilhete, Yoan Zouma 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 Ángelo Balanta, Omar Mussa, Manny Onariase Still, some important questions have now been answered, after the document was released just under a fortnight since the final ball was kicked. Among the 'Released' category were some notable if anticipated inclusions, none more so than Matt Robinson after a largely impressive seven seasons here albeit this particular one brought a drop-off in quality, particularly the attacking output we had come to expect. Nonetheless, both parties will separate with fond memories of one another despite not fulfilling the desired Football League return, much to the player's regret. Paul McCallum, also leaving, was meant to be the ultimate statement signing towards that ambition and to his credit registered a respectable record overall however never really reached best-in-class levels proportionate to the initial hype around his arrival. Despite the understandable viewpoint that Macca may want to stay with Strevens, under whom he had his most productive ever spell at Eastleigh, the loan to Chesterfield outlined the club's stance. That Inih Effiong, who arrived in return, has been quality only cements that. Looking at the other departures, Mauro Vilhete can potentially count himself quite unlucky having been plagued by untimely injuries, although in fairness blew hot and cold while fit. At optimum capacity, the versatile Portuguese can be enormously influential, and was at that level just when the first lengthy layoff came this season. Barely had he returned when the next struck, which was probably the final nail in the coffin by way of a future here. The squad will definitely be weakened in consequence though. Less so for the others. Jay Bird served a purpose at momentary times when the strikeforce became depleted but was never really good enough. Ryley Scott showed enough promise during his sole start on final day to demonstrate there was ability for Strevs to nurture, but that he has decided otherwise will not make any in the fanbase lose sleep. Another who showed something is Ansu Janneh, on loan for Braintree Town where he seemed to have performed well, though apparently not enough so to make a compelling impression upon his parent club. Again, it's unlikely to be something we live to rue. Finally, good riddance to one of our most disastrous signings in history, the colossal wreck Yoan Zouma. Bringing the club's name into disrepute through off pitch actions, then scuppering our feasible pathway to a potential FA Trophy final at Wembley, few have done more damage here. Quite why we decided to give a new deal after all that was ludicrous at the time, and even more so after he made just one more appearance for us before being loaned to Maidstone. They quickly realised what they were dealing with, nine minutes on debut infact when he scored a comical own goal - truly hideous. Earmarked to follow the above-mentioned group out the door are a further trio in Omar Mussa, Manny Onariase and Ángelo Balanta, all of whom were high-profile signings for a fee at the time of their respective arrivals but are now deemed surplus to requirements thus made available for any interested clubs elsewhere. That and actually finding a suitor willing to match their wages, however, is another thing entirely so I would not be surprised if we have to keep one or more. Ideally that would be Balanta were it not for bodily ailments progressively limiting appearances each season, for the mercurial craftsman still possesses technical ability and visionary awareness beyond this level which culminates in moments no teammate would be able to execute. Unfortunately, these have been rendered far too irregular due to intermittent layoffs at ever-increasing regularity, so the outlay on him is not matched or justified by the contribution in return. There is little to suggest this will change so it is probably the end of the road, but with many savoured moments along the way.
Unlike what the other two have offered; to call each of their spells an unmitigated disaster would not be too excessive, especially as they were recruited as crucial cogs to a promotion bid. Onariase was competent in his first spell but this incarnation has been comparatively unrecognisable, with a long line of dreadful mistakes. Though there is definitely a good player in there, demonstrated by standalone performances like at Notts County where he was nothing short of phenomenal, I think everybody has lost faith that can be reproduced consistently. Mussa, meanwhile, was a marquee signing who is being written off already after all the hype amounted to bitterly underwhelming performances. Others with uncertain futures are Sam Ling, Mo Sagaf and George Saunders - hopefully all sign the contracts that have been offered. Providing so, it's time for Saunders to change perception from possessing potential to a here-and-now man that can deliver, as he is no longer a youngster. With Ling and Sagaf, it's somewhat ironic that we failed to tie down our two most reliable outfielders while willingly giving out contracts elsewhere. A case in point is some of those remaining at the club despite being very poor last season. Discretionary options have been exercised on a few more, including Myles Weston. Though naturally showing signs of decline, not helped by our careless over-usage, the veteran winger still has much to offer but must be managed in a way that maximises his impact. Alongside Sydney Ibie and Aaron Blair, this forms a first-team squad that otherwise contains: Inih Effiong, Josh Hare, Elliott Johnson, Elliot Justham, David Longe-King, Harry Phipps, Josh Strizovic, Nik Tavares. There is a significant deal of work required in supplementing that squad with enough fresh quality to make us competitive, and how Strevens attempts that remains to be seen...
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January 2024
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