KSI was appointed as a minority shareholder at Dagenham & Redbridge on 3 March, but just 15 days later the manager was sacked and Andy Carroll was appointed as his replacement.
Dagenham and Redbridge are looking for a new manager just weeks after KSI’s investment. (Image: Getty Images)
National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge have sacked manager Lee Bradbury, making YouTuber-turned-media personality KSI’s first major decision as a minority shareholder. Former Liverpool and Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has been appointed interim manager.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olinka Williams Olatunji, was announced as a minority shareholder in the former Football League club in early March. Just two weeks later, Bradberry was relieved of his duties with the Daggers after a seven-month stint. The decision came less than 24 hours after the club finished outside the play-offs with six points and a 3-2 away win at Farnborough.
“Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club can confirm that we are parting ways with first-team manager Lee Bradbury,” the club, which plays in the seventh tier of English football and two tiers below League Two, said in a statement.
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“We are extremely grateful for Lee’s focus, professionalism and dedication during his time at the club, and for his contribution on and off the pitch to the club’s stability last summer.
“Dagenham and Redbridge wish him every success in his future endeavours. Andy Carroll will lead the team on an interim basis and further updates will be provided in due course.”
Carroll has scored 54 goals in 248 Premier League appearances during his spell with Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham United.
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The 37-year-old has been Dagenham & Redbridge’s talisman since joining in July, before it was announced he had become one of their newest shareholders.
In February, the National League South club was acquired by Happy Fun Group LLC, an investment group led by John Grabowski. KSI was then confirmed as shareholder and strategic partner earlier this month, with the 32-year-old setting out his ambitions to take the non-league club to the Premier League.
Taking inspiration from Wrexham’s Disney+ hit, KSI will film a documentary about the club as part of its ‘Race to the Top’ series, which will be released on the YouTuber’s channel this summer.
The 32-year-old said: “I’ve done boxing, music, YouTube content and traveled the world. I’m a guy who does whatever he wants to do. You can never stop doing what you want to do. I’m going to buy Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club.”
“That idea excites me so much. Years ago, I witnessed happiness and joy. I want to bring that back and exceed that. I want to energize the place, shake up the place and make it an event when you come here.”
“Playing video games and owning a football club are very different, but the race to Division One was a tough journey, but in the end we did it.
“I want to do the unthinkable with this club. I want to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League. It will take time, but realistically I think we will get out of this league and into the National League.”
“We need to improve the team. There are improvements we can make to take the team to another level.”
KSI celebrates after beating Dorking Wanderers 1-0 in their first game against Dagenham & Redbridge (Image: Getty Images)
“I know some people are scared. I’m one of the owners, so I’m available. Tweet me and I’ll see it. You can vent your frustrations, or you can celebrate with me.”
“I’m a fighter. I’ve had a broken nose, a broken hand, and a broken thumb. It’s been a tough battle, but I’m going to keep fighting to be successful with the Duggars. I’m ready to get started.”
