Andy Carroll has rejected several bids from bigger clubs to join an ambitious project at National League South club Dagenham & Redbridge.
Andy Carroll is relishing a fresh challenge at Dagenham & Redbridge despite receiving offers from “top” clubs.
Released by Newcastle United four years ago, the 6ft 4in striker has become somewhat of a journeyman in recent times. Carroll has signed for six clubs since 2021 and enjoyed a left-field season at French outfit Bordeaux in 2024-25.
A solid campaign saw the Geordie net 11 goals in 23 games to prove he can still find the back of the net. This has led Carroll to carry on playing and join Dagenham, who play in the sixth tier.
Family ties meant the former Toon ace needed to head south and snub more lucrative offers elsewhere. Dagenham also announced an ambitious takeover by a Qatari consortium on the same day - with reports that Carroll may even buy a minority stake.
Andy Carroll on Dagenham move
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carroll opened up about playing in the National League South. He said: “I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux but it’s time for me to get settled with my family. I was getting offers from clubs in France, Italy and Spain, but I wanted to come home.
“I could sign for a top club, but me and the manager might not see eye to eye, so I just want to be somewhere I’m going to be happy. It’s never been about the money for me, I could have signed for a lot more money. I just love playing football.”
Qatari ownership states bold ambition
Youseph Al Sharif, Dagenham’s interim chairman, outlined how they want to build a strong connection with the club’s supporters. He told the club website: “This is a club with deep roots and real meaning. I’ve followed English football closely for years and I know what clubs like Dagenham represent to their communities.
“We’re stepping into something that matters to people’s lives and we don’t take that lightly. We’re here to contribute properly and earn our place. This will take time, but we’re committed to building with care, ambition, and respect for everything Dagenham & Redbridge FC stands for.”
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‘It costs me money!’ - Andy Carroll
Carroll - sold by Newcastle for a British record £35million in January 2011 - joked how playing for Bordeaux left him out of pocket. He said last season: “To be honest, it actually costs me money to play for Bordeaux but it's never been about money in my career. I'm just happy to play football, I want to be part of the history of this club."
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