Dagenham & Redbridge have a new interim boss.placeholder image
Dagenham & Redbridge have a new interim boss. | Getty Images
The former West Ham man is taking his first steps in management and faces a veteran of the game in his first match.
Ex West Ham and Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has been appointed as interim manager of Dagenham & Redbridge in a head-turning move to the dugout, working under the ownership of YouTuber KSI.
Carroll had been confirmed as a shareholder in the club in February, before KSI’s investment had been announced. Lee Bradbury was sacked by the club on Wednesday despite a 3-2 win over Farnborough the night before.
Bradbury had only been appointed last summer and has been replaced by Carroll on an interim basis. The ex Hammer joined Dagenham & Redbridge in July 2025 and signed a three-year contract with the side.
At the time, he said: “I’m really excited to get started with Dagenham. My kids thought I was signing for Chelsea — they’ll be in for a shock.
“It’s a fantastic location and close to my kids, they will be able to come and see me play. I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux but it’s time for me to get settled with my family.
“I’m hoping my kids will bring their friends to see me play. I didn’t want to finish playing football and I’m really excited to get involved in the leadership side and be a player. I’ve got experience in seeing how clubs are run, of all levels. I think I can add value. My first job is to go in as a player, I want to get them promoted.
“I was offered clubs with a lot more money, but I realised Dagenham was a project that I really wanted to get into. I want to help as many players and staff from my experience and background as possible.
“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 managers might not see eye to eye, so I just want to be somewhere I’m going to be happy.”
Andy Carroll to take on Neil Warnock in first Dagenham & Redbridge match
Carroll has six goals in the National League South but has been out injured since mid-December. A statement from the club read: “We are very grateful to Lee for his focus, professionalism, and commitment during his time at the Club and for his contributions, both on and off the pitch, to stabilise the club last summer. “Dagenham & Redbridge wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Carroll’s first match in charge will be up against Torquay United this weekend, with the opposition managed by veteran Neil Warnock on an interim basis.
Carroll was once the subject of a British record transfer when signing for Liverpool from Newcastle United in 2011 for £25 million. The forward initially arrived at the Hammers on loan from Liverpool in 2012 before the London outfit paid £15m to make that move permanent 12 months later.
As with large parts of his career, Carroll's time at West Ham was ravaged by injury. His most successful Premier League campaign came during the 2015/16 season when he managed nine top flight goals - that included a memorable hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Arsenal.
Carroll returned to his boyhood club of Newcastle United in 2019, where he stayed for two seasons. Then came a brief, but somewhat successful, Championship spell at West Brom in 2022 with three goals in 15 appearances. The striker then scored 11 goals in 42 appearances for Reading before heading to France.
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