Digger Dagger Matchday

In this five-part series I assess who should be next to step into the dugout as Taylor’s successor. The fans want a young, hungry and exciting manager and it is thought to be dependant on who makes the decision - Thompson or the owners - whether we get that or not. The fourth of the candidates is someone who isn’t in the bracket the supporters want - Garry Hill - who is currently without a club. 
Age: 60 
Garry had a decent track record at the club in the past and was arguably the most successful Daggers manager besides John Still. During his five year spell he went on a couple of great cup runs taking Premiership side Charlton to a replay and taking the Daggers to Victoria Road. 
He also guided the club to the league title which saw promotion to the Conference however things got worse as they progressed and he resigned in 2004 following a poor campaign. 
Garry was ultimately unable to oversee Dagenham’s promotion to the football league but came close and as that’s what we want - is he th…

In this five-part series I assess who should be next to step into the dugout as Taylor’s successor. The fans want a young, hungry and exciting manager and it is thought to be dependant on who makes the decision - Thompson or the owners - whether we get that or not. The third of the candidates is Jody Brown who is currently part of the Daggers’ coaching staff. 
Age: 40 
Dagenham’s first team coach has had experience as the number one, most notably with Heybridge Swifts whom he took from the very bottom of their respective league to the top. This was over a three year spell with the club which he left in September of 2018. 
The Swifts were in huge financial difficulty when Brown took charge and he steered them clear of what seemed seemed certain relegation at the time - so a great achievement. He then built them into be a force to be reckoned with in their division but ultimately his ambitions didn’t match that of the club and they parted ways. 
He did have a stint as manager in the top fli…

In this five-part series I assess who should be next to step into the dugout as Taylor’s successor. The fans want a young, hungry and exciting manager and it is thought to be dependant on who makes the decision - Thompson or the owners - whether we get that or not. The second of the candidates is Daryl McMahon who is currently manager of Macclesfield Town.
Age: 36 
Daryl is currently in charge at struggling Macclesfield who face the prospect of going under with a financial crisis overshadowing matters on the pitch. Daryl himself is a young Irish manager who was based in the South East of England as a player and until recently as a manager - obviously currently up north with Macclesfield. 
Playing Career:


As a player he made 363 appearances for various clubs in the higher reaches of the non-league pyramid and lower reaches of the football league. Clubs include Stevenage, Orient (I know!), Farnborough, Eastleigh, Dover, Ebbsfleet and Boreham Wood.
Managerial Career:
Daryl was an aspiring coac…

In this five-part series I assess who should be next to step into the dugout as Taylor’s successor. The fans want a young, hungry and exciting manager and it is thought to be dependant on who makes the decision - Thompson or the owners - whether we get that or not. The first of the candidates is Luke Garrard who is currently manager of Boreham Wood.
Age: 34
Playing Career:


Luke played as a defender/ midfielder becoming a fans’ favourite at AFC Wimbledon between 2006 - 2010 making 98 appearance for the club. However, an injury that kept him out for nearly a full season hindered his progress and he could no longer be guaranteed regular first team football. 
He then left for Boreham Wood after helping AFC Wimbledon’s revival and rise up the non-league pyramid. He was a hit with the Wood’s fan base before long and went on to make 140 appearances at the club. He joined the coaching staff before having to step up and fill the vacancy Ian Allinson had left - becoming manager. 
Managerial Career:


S…

Well, Taylor’s Out! 2 wins from 12 league games - simply not good enough. 
Here I will take a look at Taylor’s tenure at the club and the reasons behind why he has left. 
If we look at when Taylor first took charge of the club and it is something every Dagger will be forever thankful for. We were on the brink of collapse and Peter Taylor came in at a time of need to help our club. That is something that should never be forgotten and something (regardless of what he did during his time at the club) that is greatly appreciated. 
This is something @OnceADagger rightly highlighted on Twitter following the announcement of Taylor’s departure: 


It was always going to be difficult at the beginning with financial uncertainty and no owners. Therefore, Taylor was tasked with putting together a squad capable of fighting relegation - he had next to nothing money wise. The season began and it was a struggle as expected with two points from eight games; but the second of those points was a goalless draw…

This is the twenty fourth instalment of the ‘DAGENHAM AND ME’ series in which we explore fans’ and former players’ relationship with the club. This will be done over the Christmas period with interesting stories being told daily and debate will no doubt spark over Dagenham’s all-time XI! Behind door number 24 is former player, PAUL COBB, enjoy :)


Full name Paul Cobb
I played for the Daggers from 1997 - 2001 after joining from Purfleet. My preferred number before squad numbers was eight and I was a Centre Forward. 
My debut came against Carshalton but I don’t remember too much about it to be fair. What I do remember is that I didn’t finish the game and not due to injury!
My favourite games are in no particular order Charlton in the FA Cup in 2001 as it goes without saying it was a fantastic day for the club - a big occasion. Secondly, Peterborough away in ‘97 - also in the FA Cup. Finally, Harrow Borough at home in 99 when I scored my only hat trick! 


As it’s Christmas I was asked for my fa…

This is the twenty third instalment of the ‘DAGENHAM AND ME’ series in which we explore fans’ and former players’ relationship with the club. This will be done over the Christmas period with interesting stories being told daily and debate will no doubt spark over Dagenham’s all-time XI! Behind door number 23 is supporter, IAN, enjoy :)




FULL NAME: Ian Ayris
My favourite player currently is Joan Luque – epitomises the Daggers spirit of old. I used to be a season ticket holder but life does it’s stuff and it is no longer sadly an option. One day, though, one day.
I do go to as many games as I can, work and finances permitting, along with my boy Charlie – a proud season ticket holder. A dozen or so home games a year and a handful of away days.
In terms of where I am situated at the ground, well, as a kid I was always on the grass bank at the Pondfield Road end. Ever since the stand was built, I have been in the Sieve opposite the eighteen yard line.

I first started supporting the Daggers in197…