Andy Carroll KSI Appoint Dagenham Boss After Wins (Dagenham, 2026)

Key Points

• Andy Carroll, former England and Liverpool forward aged 37, appointed as Dagenham & Redbridge caretaker manager last Wednesday.
• Appointment made by new minority owner KSI, who sacked previous boss Lee Bradbury despite a recent win.
• Dagenham & Redbridge beat Farnborough on Tuesday night in Bradbury’s final game, leaving the club in 12th place in National League South.
• Carroll’s first game resulted in a 1-0 victory over play-off rivals Torquay United on Saturday, with KSI in attendance.
• Second win under Carroll: 3-1 against Hampton & Richmond Borough on the following Saturday, marking three straight victories and a push towards play-offs.
• Carroll admits he was not keen on management initially but took the role; he wants the job permanently only if he can continue playing.

Dagenham, Essex (East London Times) April 13, 2026 – Andy Carroll has opened up about his unexpected appointment as Dagenham & Redbridge caretaker manager by social media star and new minority owner KSI, revealing he was not initially keen on the role.

Why Did KSI Appoint Andy Carroll as Dagenham & Redbridge Manager?

The appointment came last Wednesday when KSI, the YouTuber and rapper known as Olajide Olatunji, decided to sack former boss Lee Bradbury. As reported by Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail, Carroll was made Daggers caretaker manager following this decision, despite the club having beaten Farnborough on the Tuesday night prior – a result that marked Bradbury’s final game in charge and left Dagenham & Redbridge in 12th place in the National League South standings.

KSI’s involvement stems from his recent acquisition of a minority stake in the club, bringing his high-profile presence to the fifth-tier outfit.

Carroll’s reign started strongly last Saturday with a 1-0 win over play-off rivals Torquay United, a match KSI attended and watched with evident satisfaction. The victory set a positive tone for the 37-year-old’s managerial debut.

How Has Andy Carroll Performed in His First Games as Dagenham & Redbridge Boss?

Carroll’s side followed up with another win on the subsequent Saturday, defeating Hampton & Richmond Borough 3-1. This result secured a third consecutive victory for Dagenham & Redbridge, propelling them towards the play-off positions in the National League South. KSI was present again at this fixture, underscoring his active engagement with the club.

As detailed in the Daily Mail coverage by Matt Barlow, Carroll has now spoken candidly about the “ordeal,” admitting he only wants the job on a permanent basis if it allows him to continue playing.

“Former England and Liverpool forward Andy Carroll has admitted he wasn’t too keen on being a manager until he was appointed Dagenham & Redbridge boss by KSI,”

the report states directly.

What Led to Lee Bradbury’s Sacking at Dagenham & Redbridge?

The decision to remove Lee Bradbury occurred swiftly after the Farnborough win. Despite that positive result positioning the team mid-table, KSI opted for change upon his influence as minority owner.

No specific quotes from Bradbury or detailed reasons beyond the ownership shift have been publicly attributed in initial reports, but the timing highlights the rapid nature of the transition.

Carroll, known for his playing career at clubs including Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Liverpool, where he won the Premier League, brings a wealth of experience. His international caps for England add to his profile, though this marks his entry into management.

Who Is KSI and What Is His Role at Dagenham & Redbridge?

KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, is a prominent social media personality with millions of followers across platforms. His minority ownership in Dagenham & Redbridge represents a bold move into football investment, blending entertainment and sport. His attendance at matches, including the Torquay and Hampton & Richmond games, signals hands-on involvement.

The Daily Mail article links to prior coverage of Carroll’s “dream start,” noting KSI’s presence during the 1-0 Torquay victory: Andy Carroll enjoys dream start to managerial career with KSI watching as former Liverpool star leads Dagenham & Redbridge to victory in game in charge.

What Has Andy Carroll Said About Wanting to Play While Managing?

In his comments, Carroll emphasised a condition for permanence: the ability to play. “Carroll has now opened up on the ordeal, and revealed he only wants the job permanently if he can continue playing,” states the Daily Mail report by Matt Barlow.

This dual role reflects his ongoing fitness and desire to stay involved on the pitch, common in lower-league setups where player-managers thrive.

Dagenham & Redbridge, based in Essex and competing in the National League South, have seen a momentum shift under Carroll. The three wins in a row – starting from the Farnborough game under Bradbury and continuing under Carroll – position them as contenders for promotion via play-offs.

The story has garnered attention due to the unlikely pairing of a Premier League veteran and a YouTube mogul in non-league football. Carroll’s physical presence and heading prowess made him a fan favourite during his career, and now he channels that into leadership.

Supporters have responded positively to the early results, with the Torquay win denying a direct rival crucial points. The Hampton & Richmond match further solidified the run, with goals contributing to a comfortable margin.

Club officials have not yet commented on making Carroll’s role permanent, pending further performances. KSI’s investment aims to boost visibility, potentially attracting sponsorships and larger crowds to Victoria Road stadium.

Carroll’s journey from elite football to managing in the sixth tier underscores the diverse paths in the sport. His reluctance turning to opportunity highlights personal growth amid surprise circumstances.

Background of the Development

Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club, founded in 1992 from the merger of Redbridge Forest and Dagenham, has competed in various lower divisions, reaching the Football League before relegation to the National League South. KSI’s minority ownership arrived amid efforts to stabilise finances and elevate profile. Andy Carroll retired from top-flight play years ago but remained active in lower leagues, including spells at Reading and Bordeaux, before linking with Dagenham.

Lee Bradbury’s tenure focused on consolidation post-relegation challenges. The club’s 12th place pre-sacking reflected steady but unspectacular form in a competitive division featuring teams like Truro City and Weston-super-Mare.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Dagenham & Redbridge Supporters

This development can stabilise team performance for supporters through consistent wins, as seen in the three-victory streak, potentially securing play-off contention and home knockout games. Increased visibility from KSI’s profile may draw larger attendances, enhancing matchday atmosphere and revenue for facilities. Carroll’s playing involvement could maintain squad depth and morale, providing on-pitch leadership familiar to fans valuing experience. Risks include dependency on early success; a dip might prompt further changes, unsettling loyalty. Overall, it offers short-term excitement and long-term profile boost for the Essex fanbase.