Andy Carroll Joins Dagenham & Redbridge

LONDON: Veteran striker Andy Carroll, formerly of England and Liverpool, has signed with Dagenham & Redbridge, a team in the sixth tier of English football, on a free transfer. The club made the announcement on Saturday.

Following his time with Bordeaux, a French fourth-tier club, where he tallied 11 goals across 21 league matches last season, Carroll has reportedly committed to a three-year contract with the National League South team.

Speaking on his recent move, Carroll emphasized that his passion for the sport outweighs considerations of prestige or financial benefit.

Carroll’s Statement

Carroll stated, “The division doesn’t matter; what’s important is getting on the field and playing. Several clubs from higher leagues contacted me, but it has to be the perfect fit, and I need to have control over my decisions. I don’t want to choose something just because it’s a step up or offers more money.”

He added, “I believe this move will be suitable for me, and it could turn out to be fantastic.”

Coincidentally, the announcement of Carroll’s arrival coincided with Dagenham & Redbridge’s revelation that they had agreed to sell the club entirely to a group of Qatari private investors.

Carroll’s professional journey began at Newcastle United. In January 2011, he became Liverpool’s most expensive signing ever in a £35 million transfer. He then joined West Ham United in 2013 before going back to Newcastle in 2019. His last appearance for England was in 2012, bringing his total international caps to nine.