Dagenham & Redbridge Win Race For Experienced EFL Defender

Former Ipswich Town defender Tom Eastman has signed for National League side Dagenham & Redbridge on a free transfer, ahead of the new season as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.

The 31-year-old has made the move from League Two side Colchester United, upon the expiry of his contract and will become Dagenham’s third summer signing ahead of the 2023/24 National League season.

Who is Tom Eastman?

The defender was a product of the Ipswich Town academy, before joining Colchester United on a free transfer in 2011. He has remained with the League Two side ever since, despite two brief loan spells in the EFL.

Eastman began last season with Colchester, before signing for Harrogate Town on loan in January. In total, he made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and assisting another. During his time in the EFL, Eastman made almost 450 appearances.

A busy summer

Dagenham & Redbridge will have a very busy summer on their hands, following the departures of several players over the last few weeks of the off-season. Key players such as George Saunders, Mo Sagaf and Paul McCallum have all departed the club.

Eastman is the club’s third summer signing so far, after securing the signatures of both Josh Rees and Ryan Hill. Rees has joined Dagenham from Boreham Wood on a free transfer, whilst Hill has joined the club from Eastleigh.

What’s been said?

Upon signing for the National League side, Eastman stated…

’I feel like this is a good move for me and hopefully I can kick on from here, me personally and as a club and we can have a good season.

‘I’ve played a lot of games throughout my career and I would like to keep that going.’

Writer’s View

Dagenham have had a difficult start to the summer but I have to admit that this is the best piece of business they’ve done so far. Eastman spent his entire career in the EFL and will add plenty of experience and leadership to the club’s defence.

Eastman is a strong defender and I am shocked another EFL side hasn’t made a move for him this summer. However, their loss is certainly Dagenham’s gain.