Andy Carroll explains his decision to sign and take a minority share in National League South club Dagenham & Redbridge.
The 36-year-old former Premier League striker has penned a three-year deal with the Daggers, who just hours before announced a 100% takeover from Qatari consortium.
According to Sky Sports News, Andy Carroll has also taken a minority share as well as signing for the club, after leaving French fourth-tier club Bordeaux to be closer to his children…
He said that he was playing for the love of football over money or league status, but aims to help Dagenham & Redbridge rise back to the EFL.
On the same day, the club announced its sale to a Qatari investor consortium, pending legal and regulatory approval, following its purchase by US-based Club Underdog in May 2024.
It’s not every day… ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/wkgK9q1QGG
— Dagenham & Redbridge (@Dag_RedFC) July 12, 2025
“It doesn’t matter the level, as long as I get on the pitch and play football that’s all that matters,” Carroll told Sky Sports.
“I had clubs ringing me up from higher leagues but it’s got to be the right fit and I’ve got to be in control of myself and what I want to do, and not go to something because it’s higher up or more money.
“It’s something that I know will suit me in my life and this is something that could be fantastic.”
“We have a project here to get them back out of non-league and get them back up the leagues, it’s a great place to be,” Carroll added.
“I think I have more excitement now than I ever have.”
“I’m showing everyone that I’m just playing for the love of football, not for the money” 💬
Andy Carroll on why he chose to sign for Dagenham & Redbridge ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/4xrO5YJHHu
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 12, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
We’re pleased to announce that terms have been agreed between Club Underdog and a consortium of prominent Qatari private investors for the 100% acquisition of Dagenham & Redbridge FC shares held by Club Underdog.
The new ownership group will appoint Mr. Youseph Al Sharif as Interim Chairman, supported by the club’s former captain, Anwar Uddin MBE, who joins as a Non-Executive Director. They will be joined on the board by investors bringing extensive expertise in football data and finance.
Mr. Al Sharif stated: “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.”
Recent appointments, including Lee and Jerry, alongside several promising new signings, with more to follow, demonstrate our immediate efforts to strengthen the squad.
Anwar Uddin added: “I consider it an absolute privilege to return to the club after such a memorable spell as a player. I’m genuinely excited to reconnect with the fans and everyone associated with Dagenham & Redbridge, and to play a part in helping the club move firmly in the right direction.”
The new board understands the frustration of recent seasons. For many, this club is where parents bring their children, where memories are made across generations, and where pride in the badge runs deep. Relegation was not just a setback on the pitch. It changed how people felt walking through the gates. Rebuilding that pride will take time, transparency and action.
Completion of the transaction remains subject to legal finalisation and approvals from the FA and the National League. Club Underdog will actively support the new board during this transition, and we sincerely thank them for their stewardship over the past season.
CARROLL’S CAREER:
Youth
–2006 – Newcastle United
Senior
2006–2011 – Newcastle United – 91 games (33 goals)
2007–2008 → Preston North End (loan) – 12 games (1 goal)
2011–2013 – Liverpool – 58 games (11 goals)
2012–2019 – West Ham United – 142 games (34 goals)
2019–2021 – Newcastle United – 43 games (1 goal)
2021–2022 – Reading – 8 games (2 goals)
2022 – West Bromwich Albion – 15 games (3 goals)
2022–2023 – Reading – 34 games (9 goals)
2023–2024 – Amiens – 35 games (4 goals)
2024–2025 – Bordeaux – 23 games (11 goals)
2025– Dagenham & Redbridge
International career
2007–2008 – England U19 – 8 games (5 goals)
2009–2010 – England U21 – 5 games (3 goals)
2010–2012 – England – 9 games (2 goals)
Here’s how fans reacted after Andy Carroll explains his decision to sign and take a minority share in Dagenham & Redbridge…
@brenthoodmusic: A great example of someone who enjoys what he does. Unlike most players nowadays who only care about the money. The bloke purely loves playing footy, and bear in mind he’s in his mid 30s. Fair play to him.
@AdamP1242: The most expensive January signing in football history at one point, what a player man 🤩🤩🤩
@BennyBoyTips: I’ve been paying a lot of attention to Dagenham recently given my family links. From all the mess with those Egyptian YouTubers to being owned by Billionaires and signing Andy Carroll. Fair play 😂
@silvervexcebo: This is quality! 👌🏼 Good luck Andy! Loved watching you play in the claret and blue! ⚒️
@ycfc_connor: Andy fucking carroll. on a 3 year deal. in the NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH? what a bloke. truly in it for the love of the game and nothing else.
@JakePetrolhead: Bought by Qatari investors and then signing Andy Carroll. What in the Football Manager is going on at Dagenham and Redbridge?
@DaviesFallows: When Dagenham come knocking, it’s a different type of knock 😉⚔️
@TheBoroWalk: Another absolutely normal day in the Conf South.
@C0AKESY: That’s a unbelievable signing for a National League South Club, he will bag a fair few next season im sure!
@Tommyktufc: This is going to be one hell of a competitive division next season. Forget the Premier League. This is going to be another special season I can feel it. Dreyer will have him in his pocket though! 😂💛 #TUFC
