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Dagenham & RedbridgeYou are in: Essex > Sport > Dagenham & Redbridge > Adventure into the unknown  Daggers' Magnus Okuonghae should shine Adventure into the unknownStuart Smith After years of visiting non-league grounds, BBC Essex commentator Stuart Smith is relishing the chance to follow Dagenham and Redbridge around the country's league venues, as they embark on thier first League Two campaign. Dagenham & Redbridge have had some exciting times in recent years......robbed of promotion!......F.A.Cup runs!.....Play-Off Final!..., but these all now play second fiddle to this new and greatest adventure. As Conference champions, Daggers now move into League 2, (that’s REAL league football to you and me). Yes....the BIG TIME, can anyone really believe it? Will their new opposition give them credit, or can John Still’s boys spring a few surprises?
Having spoken to both players and staff at the club, there are a few nerves about, for sure, but there is also an air of confidence, and rightly so. Pre-season has proved successful, with yet more high energy performances from the boys, (does their pre-match meal include Duracells?). I know that my predictions are not overly reliable, but if you have a few quid burning a hole in your pocket, stick £10 on Daggers to gain promotion again!!!!! Daft, yes I may be, but I really do believe that the Essex side can more than hold their own in this division, and with some good fortune, well, who knows what can be achieved? The promotion winning squad are itching to get a crack at League Football. Tony Roberts has experience already, but the rest are vastly untried - although the management team will ‘prep’ the boys well. Always a very 'fit' side, this pre-season has seen fitness, stamina and speed work improve even more, no wonder the local Butcher’s Dog is hiding his embarrassment! A solid back four, competitive mid-field and forward line with bags of pace has been improved even more. John Still has turned to his little black book, and pulled out some possible gems to add to last season’s squad. Jon Nurse is an exciting forward with plenty of pace and a terrific leap, snapped up from Stevenage Borough. Winger Richard Graham was released by Barnet, Canadian centre-back Ross Smith comes in from Ebbsfleet, and Shane Huke is fast becoming a cult figure, thanks to his keenness to shoot at every opportunity, (although some target practice is recommended). So with the squad strengthened, Daggers kick-off with a visit to Stockport County, then it's Luton in the Carling Cup and back to Coca Cola action where the first home game sees Wycombe Wanderers at Victoria Road; then it’s off to Chester City.....so that's 9 points in the bag then!! And of course, you be able to follow the Daggers along their exciting journey throughout the season on BBC Essex!last updated: 10/08/07 You are in: Essex > Sport > Dagenham & Redbridge > Adventure into the unknown |
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