Dagenham & Redbridge have confirmed that the ownership of the club has changed hands, with owners Club Underdog agreeing a deal to sell 100% of the club.
The new owners are a consortium of Qatari investors.
Who Are The New Owners?
Dagenham & Redbridge’s new owners will appoint Mr. Youseph Al Sharif as chairman on an interim basis. Upon his appointment, Mr. Al Sharif said:
“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.”
The interim chairman will be supported by former Daggers player Anwar Uddin MBE who will return to the club as a non-executive director.
Uddin, who was part of the side that gained Football League status in 2007, said:
“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 pair will be joined on the board by investors offering ‘extensive expertise in football data and finance.’
The Immediate Future
Following the disastrous relegation from the National League, the Daggers have already appointed a new management team in the shape of Lee Bradbury and Jerry Gill. The pair are tasked with building a side to get out of the National League South at the first time of asking.
The statement from the new board suggests that the club will be looking to add to the signings already made, with the likes of Donovan Wilson and Sam Howes having joined the club from Football League clubs Grimsby Town and Leyton Orient.
Dagenham’s new owners are aiming to restore the pride and feeling around the club after some disappointing years, and understand that achieving that will take ‘time, transparency and action.’
The takeover is still subject to legal finalisation and approval from the FA and National League.
Writer’s View
The positivity coming out of this statement is just what fans of Dagenham & Redbridge needed after relegation and their dismay at the previous ownership.
Anwar Uddin’s appointment to the board is a shrewd move and one that will get supporters on side immediately.
