Former Premier League forward Andy Carroll has taken on a dual role as player-assistant manager and minority shareholder at National League South club Dagenham & Redbridge ahead of the 2026-2027 season. Carroll, 37, who previously played for West Ham United, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and represented England at a major international tournament, expressed enthusiasm about his expanded responsibilities with the club.

Carroll highlighted the benefits of combining on-field involvement with a position in the technical area, which allows him to contribute both as a player and a communicator during matches. “I’m enjoying it as an assistant manager,” he said, adding that he values the opportunity to give instructions from the sidelines after coming off the pitch. He also praised the club's direction and ambition under manager Lee Allinson, who is backed by minority shareholder and YouTube personality KSI.

“The club is in the right place, we are going in the right direction and I’m still enjoying my football,” Carroll noted. “I love being a part of it and this is a massive club. Everyone coming into the club knows the ambition and where we want to go.” He emphasized the squad’s depth and the collective commitment to achieving promotion ambitions in what is expected to be a competitive campaign.

Dagenham & Redbridge’s preparations for the new season included a recent friendly match in the North East of England, where the team lost 1-0 to South Shields, a club competing for promotion to the National League North. The match, which took place as a testimonial for South Shields defender Dillon Morse, also featured a notable reunion between Carroll and Mike Williamson, who managed the visiting side. Williamson is Carroll’s former Newcastle United teammate, with both having been part of the Magpies squad that secured promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship title in May 2010. Carroll left Newcastle for Liverpool in a British record transfer worth £35 million later that year.

Reflecting on his relationship with Williamson, Carroll described their ongoing camaraderie and mutual respect. “I love being with Mike, we get on well, we always did, and it’s great to see him doing what he is doing and hopefully he can have a successful season here,” he said.

With Carroll’s involvement on and off the pitch, Dagenham & Redbridge appear poised to mount a strong challenge for promotion in the coming season, driven by experienced leadership and strategic investment.