Daggers Transfer Round-Up

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Well, our first piece of business of the summer is complete, and though we only expect a few arrivals – it certainly isn’t the last! As the contract situation looks to be clearing, with Khan reportedly having agreed a deal, McMahon and his staff can put focus, energy and resources into new incomings.

A deal done…

So, as I say, the announcement of striker Josh Walker from Barnet has got the ball rolling – another player who John Still has identified as a gem that can help the squad back to the football league.

Now say what you want about that man, he certainly has an eye for talent, as we saw when he was in the dugout and most recently with the likes of Saidou Khan (set to renew his deal at Dagenham & Redbridge).

Taking a closer look at the new recruit, he netted just once last season, injuries impeding his ability to get out on the pitch. However the season prior, he was part of the side that got to the play-offs under Darren Currie – contributing 8 goals.

A highlights reel of Walker from the 2019/20 season 

Both Currie and Still approve of him, and I take heart from that but am yet to pass judgement, he looks a good signing and is in a position we need – we’ll wait and see.

Barnet blogger, Trevor, on Josh Walker.

A final point on the domino effect of this deal, it is probably the case that transfer-listed Darren McQueen has either left or has a move in the pipeline. If not, we need to find him a club soon to get him of our books, where I’m sure he’d be an asset.

Ones we’ve missed out on…

A player I would have liked to get and feel the Bees beat us to was Mason Bloomfield; a former Dagger who never really had time to reach his potential with us – moving on to Norwich.

However, these Bees fans certainly felt we got the better deal, the players’ former club reacting to departures always speaks volumes for me – further giving me faith in the Walker signing.

Bees Blogger, Trevor, on the departure news. 

Another player we definitely missed out on and are yet to make up for (though I’ll get to how we will in a minute) is Jacob Mendy from Wealdstone – who made the switch to Boreham Wood.

This is in spite of the Daggers also triggering his release clause - a top target missed - a wing-back who scored 10 goals last season.

 Andrew Eleftheriou and Liam Gordon (or at least one of them) need to be replaced at wing-back and he would’ve been the perfect fit – no doubt.

Soon to be sealed…

But the man who will be signing on the dotted line, making a return to Victoria Road, is full back Sam Ling who was recently released from Leyton Orient. The rumours have reportedly turned into something tangible, materialising in a deal that makes sense, and one that I very much welcome.

Although, let’s be honest, Mendy did look the real deal and Boreham Wood are once again doing good business; still reaping the rewards of their most recent ‘undisclosed fee’ sale to the upper echelons of the football league.

I wrote last week about the success of the contract extensions/retentions and the one elusive player who is yet to be tied down to a contract – Saidou Khan. 

Given the signature of Abu Ogogo being secured by rivals Southend, the pressure to secure Khan’s future was amplified – League 2 clubs still reportedly showing interest.

However, in a bid for certainty over his future and pre-season just two weeks away, Khan has apparently agreed a deal to stay at the Daggers – announcement pending…

Just on incomings and getting a settled squad, Daryl McMahon wants to get everything settled before pre-season (unsurprisingly) to have a full pre-season with a set squad – though, that is best case scenario.

Therefore, I’d expect Ling to follow Walker in the coming days and weeks, as well as an announcement on Saidou Khan’s future – leaving perhaps a CM and CB to come in before a ‘complete’ squad is there.

Stay tuned for announcements, and my reaction to them, with pre-season around the corner and transfers in full flow – it’s an exciting time of the year!

Until then, COYD,

Keane

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