rmoore

Dagenham Recorder, 16/2/03

Daggers Fall again to bogey team.

Leigh RMI 3 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

Daggers failed to capitalise on a good start as the Railwaymen scored their fifth successive victory over the Victoria Road side. Leigh striker Mark Fitzpatrick was the star, scoring two and creating the other, but Daggers will rue a series of missed chances and the loss of a two goal lead. The away side opened the scoring, Oleg Salenko grabbing his first for the Reds with a rasping drive from the edge of the area. Soon after a cross from Paul Dalglish, making his first start for the club, was nodded home by junior McDougald for his fifteenth of the season. However the Daggers visibly relaxed after the second goal, allowing Fitzpatrick to bundle home his first on the stroke of half time, then letting the striker run through the defence before setting up Spaniard Antonio Lopes for the equaliser.
Both Salenko and Mcdougald could have won it late on for the Daggers, but it was Fitzpatrick who finally settled the match with a last minute header.
Rich Wellard admitted his side had thrown away a vital three points, but took some comfort from the performance. 'We always lose to Leigh; I can't explain it but there you go. it's not much of an excuse, but i think we did enough to win out there. we need to pick ourselves up for the Nuneaton game now. Hopefully Oleg will continue to improve, he impressed me out there today.'

Recorder Ratings (4-3-3) Gueret 6; Woodman 6, Parry 8, Marshall 9, Goodwin 7;Terry 6, Fowler 7, Dalglish 7; McLean 7, Salenko 8, McDougald 7. Subs McMennamin 6, Duffy 6, Janney 6.

Goals Fitzpatrick 45, 89, Lopes 57. Salenko 8, Mcdougald 33

MOM Fitzpatrick


Dagenham Recorder, 23/2/03

Daggers bounce back to bury Borough

Dagenham & Redbridge 5 Nuneaton Borough 1

Daggers turned in a splendid home performance to bury the memory of last week's disappointment at Leigh, comfortably seeing off Nuneaton despite conceding inside 35 seconds. Much of the credit must go to young striker Aaron McLean, who struck a glorious hat trick and looked a class act thrugh out. notable also, however, was Oleg Salenko, who grabbed the other two and finished a match for the first time in Dagenham colours.
Rich Wellard was delighted after the game; 'there's not a lot i can say about that one, we were as good as we've been all season and could have had a couple more. The three strikers are really starting to gel now, and with Oleg back to full fitness and Aaron back in form we can drive on towards the title now.'
the win returns the Daggers to the top of the conference on goal difference, with rivals Barnet on their tail.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Gueret 7; Woodman 7, Parry 7, Farley 8, Goodwin 8; Fowler 8; Pearson 7, Dalglish 7; McLean 10, salenko 9, Mcdougald 7. Subs McMennamin 7, Duffy 6, Janney 7.

Goals Mead 1.McLean 23, 41, 87. Salenko 46, 79.

MOM McLean

rmoore

www.daggersonline.net. 28.02.03

RICH'S RANT

Things are going pretty well at the moment, as long as we dont play Leigh RMI of course... of all the promotion chasing teams we're in the strongest position, seeing as how we've played a game less than everyone but Barnet, and they have to go to third place Telford on the last day of the season. I'm also pleased with how the squad is shaping up; i feel we can put out one and possibly even two competitive teams at any one time. This is good for the club as the competition is fierce, especially at the back. I'd suggest our first team at the moment reads like this;

Gueret; Croft Marshall Parry Goodwin; Fowler; Terry Dalglish; McLean Salenko McDougald. Subs Rachubka Farley Garai Janney McMennamin.

That's as good a side as any in this division and probably capable of performing in the third division as well. Let's hope they get the chance.
Just because i'm happy with my squad it doesn't mean i'll stop tinkering with it though. I've got my eye on a few players at the moment, and a couple of contracts expire next month that i probably wont renew. The end of the season will probably see a bit of an exodus too, as i signed a lot of people on one year deals and they haven't all impressed me...

Still, at least it's better than having too few players. Stafford Rangers show how big a problem that can be, they've only got 17 first teamers and are rooted to the bottom of the Conference. Granted, some people have criticised my shopping policy but, fingers crossed, it seems to be working. ish.

Till next month...


Dagenham Recorder, 2/3/03

Resilient Southport hold Reds to draw.

Southport 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 1

Daggers failed to follow up their resounding victory over Nuneaton with another win, but were well worth a point in a strongly contested match played in terrible conditions. The driving rain was so heavy that many Daggers fans failed to see Junior McDougald's bundled opener at the far end, although Southport's rapid reply would have been somewhat more visible... the game deteriorated along with the weather conditions and the second half was uneventful, although salenko was unlucky to see a header come back off the post. Overall, the Daggers seemed happy with the point, Garry Hill remarking that 'the pools panel would probably have got this one spot on if it had been abandoned'.

Recorder Ratings : (4-1-2-3) Gueret 8; Woodman 6, Farley 8, Hese 5, Goodwin 6; Fowler 7; Pearson 7, Dalglish 6; McLean 7, Salenko 7, McDougald 8. Subs McMennamin 7, Croft 7, Duffy 7.

Goals Sampson 41. McDougald 39

MOM McDougald


www.daggersonline.net 5/3/03

The first of the expected departures from Victoria Road over the next few months were confirmed today, as Rich Wellard released three of his failed 'experiments'. The release of Finbar Lynch had been predicted after his one first team appearance ended with a horror tackle and an eight match ban, but the releases of Leon Hese & Ludvig Lannerstrom are unexpected, if unsurprising. Hese, despite his pedigree, has failed to adapt to the lower league game, and his lack of pace has been a factor. Lannerstrom, meanwhile, has paid for his utility... he ultimately wasn't good enough in any position. Wellard wished the three well, but admitted that, as three of the highest wage earners at the club, their contracts weren't worth renewing.

Dagenham Recorder, 9/3/03

clinical Daggers ease past Yeovil.

Dagenham & redbridge 2 Yeovil 0

A Colin McMennamin brace ensured that the Daggers good run continued, and gave the home side a two point lead at the top of the conference with 9 games to go. The young forward, hampered in recent months by injury and lack of form, turned in his best performance for the Reds in place of the rested Oleg Salenko, and was unlucky not to grab a hat trick. Rich Wellard praised his front man and suggested more was to come. 'Colin was frustrated when he injured his ankle, he was settling into the team and playing well. Today he looked back in form & that should help us in the run in.'

Recorder Ratings : (4-1-2-1-2) Gueret 7; Woodman 7, Parry 9, Farley 8, Goodwin 9; Fowler 8; Terry 6, Dalglish 8; McMennamin 9; McLean 7, McDougald 8. Subs Stein 7, Croft 7, Duffy 6.

Goals McMennamin 28, 55

MOM McMennamin



www.daggersonline.net 10/3/03

Daggers Online has heard a rumour that First Division Derby County have had an offer of 75k rejected by the Reds for full back Lee Fowler. The defender has been in excellent form for the Daggers this season, but Rich Wellard admitted some time ago that he'd be willing to accept the right bid for just about anybody, so we'll have to wait and see.

rmoore

Just noticed...\0/ second page \0/. A proud, and unique, moment



Dagenham Recorder, 12/3/03

Wasteful Daggers fail to kill off bottom side

Stafford Rangers 2 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

Daggers were disappointed not to come away from Stafford with three points after a commanding performance was marred by profligacy in front of goal. The Home side came out looking to defend, but grabbed a breakaway lead when striker Sean Eccleston ran clear to slot under Gueret. Daggers redoubled their efforts and were rewarded with two goals in three minutes from the rejuvenated Junior McDougald. in truth, the Daggers should have put the game away in the second half, McDougald, Salenko, Terry and McMennamin all wasting good chances. They paid for it in the 73rd minute when the impressive Eccleston put through strike partner and former Orient man Steve Watts to score the equaliser. Even then Daggers could have snatched it, but substitute Keith Duffy blasted a good chance wide in the last minute.
Overall Rich Wellard was fairly pleased with the result. 'you can never guarantee an away win, and credit to Rangers, they were far better today than their position suggests. We do need to start putting away more of our chances though.'

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-1-2) Gueret 7; Martin 6, Croft 7, Farley 8, Goodwin 7; Fowler 8; Terry 7, Pearson 7; Salenko 8; McDougald 8, Stein 6. Subs Duffy 6, McMennamin 7.

Goals Eccleston 24, Watts 68. McDougald 39, 42

MOM Eccleston

www.daggersonline.net 14/3/03

Fowler departs but Senda joins

Dagenham today confirmed the transfer of Lee Fowler to Derby for 120k, as well as the arrival of young winger Danny Senda from Wycombe for 22k. Fowler will be missed, as one of our most consistent performers this season, but as Assistant Manager Garry Hill remarked, 'we needed the money, and yyou can hardly deny someone the chance to go up three divisions...'. Senda is said to be a tricky, talented right footer whom Rich Wellard has been keeping tabs on all season.


Lee Fowler - Daggers Career (this season) Games 24, Goals 1, MOM 2, AR 7.54.

rmoore

Dagenham Recorder, 16/3/03

Reds comfortably overcome Victoria

Dagenham & Redbridge 2 Northwich Victoria 0

Daggers took one more step towards promotion with a professional performance against fourth placed Northwich. The Dagenham defence, marshalled well by the increasingly impressive Jamie Parry, took everything the visitors had with some ease, allowing the forwards to tie up the game by half time. junior mc Dougald slotted home his fourth in as many games early on, before young Colin McMennamin added another on the stroke of half time after good work by debutant Danny Senda.
Garry Hill fielded questions after the game, standing in for the absent Rich Wellard, who was allegedly on a 'scouting trip' to Sweden, and admitted that the Reds had done a good job. 'It wasn't spectacular but the result was the right one. We only need a few more wins to take the title now.'

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Gueret 8; Woodman 7, Parry 8, Farley 7, Goodwin 6; Garai 6; Pearson 6, Senda 7; McDougald 8, Salenko 8, McMennamin 8. Subs Stein 6, Croft 7, Janney 7.

Goals McDougald 11, McMennamin 45

MOM Parry


Dagenham Recorder, 23/3/03

Daggers held by Hereford, lose Goodwin

Hereford Utd 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 1

The Reds failed to collect a win that would have put them four points clear at the top of the Conference, but in truth will be more concerned about full back Lee Goodwin, who was stretchered off after just nine minutes with what appears to be a torn groin muscle. The defender, a consistent fixture for Daggers this season, will miss the run in and is expected to be out of action for up to four months.
The game itself was little to write home about, both sides looking cagey and off form. Hereford took the lead through Ian Clarke on 28 minutes, but Colin McMennamin continued his rich vein of scoring form by equalising mid way through the second half.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-1-2) Gueret 7; Woodman 7, Parry 9, Farley 7, Goodwin 6; Garai 7; Terry 7, Dalglish 7; McMennamin 8; McDougald 8, Salenko 7. Subs Senda 6, Croft 6, Janney 6.

Goals Clarke 28 McMennamin 61

MOM Parry


Dagenham Recorder 30/3/03

Daggers record comfortable win but suffer further injury setback.

Dagenham & Redbridge 2 Southend United 0


Dagenham recorded a good win over Essex rivals Southend at Victoria Road yesterday afternoon, but suffered another injury scare when keeper Willy gueret was carried off after a collision with concussion. the Reds' first choice keeper could be out for the rest of the season, leaving their promotion hopes in the inexperienced gloves of Paul Rachubka.
The game was decided by another brace from the impressive junior McDougald; the striker now has 23 for the season and six in six games for March. Southend had few ideas going forward and the Reds should perhaps have won more convincingly. In any case, they need just seven points from their last five games to win promotion, although the loss of Gueret could be a problem.

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-1-2) Gueret 7; Woodman 7, Parry 8, Marshall 8, Farley 8; Garai 7; Terry 7, Dalglish 7; McMennamin 8; Salenko 7, McDougald 10. Subs Senda 7, Rachubka 7.

Goals McDougald 34, 60

MOM McDougald


www.daggersonline.net, 31/3/03

RICH'S RANT

Well, injuries aside, it's been a decent month. We're favourites for promtion now, & should be fine as long as we keep our eye on the prize. In terms of injury problems, i've acted as ecisively as possible at this time of year, and brought in a couple of new faces. Mike Simpkins has joined us from Cardiff; he's a utility defender who'll take over at right back for the rest of the season. At 28k he should be good value. Matthew Carslake is a 19 year old centre back who i feel could be a big star. I feel he could form a great partnership next season with Jamie Parry; he's big, strong, superb in the air and quite quick. I've splashed out 70k on him, which is nearly all of my current funds, but i think he'll prove his worth quickly.
Anyway, we now need three wins to gain promotion. Shouldn't be a problem even without Willy Gueret in goal. I think Paul (Rachubka) will do his job, and hopefully i'll be writing this next week as manager of the Conference champions!
Fingers crossed...

rmoore

Dagenham Recorder, 8/4/03

Daggers on Brink after two wins in three days

Boston United 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 3
Dagenham & Redbridge 2 Scarborough 1

The Daggers are just one point away from Football League status after a couple of clinical wins over clubs in mid table. They followed up an effective trip to Boston with victory over former title rivals Scarborough, now on the slide and struggling to finish in the top half of the table. The Boston game was notable for a magnificent debut from teenage centre back Matthew Carslake. The new signing from Brighton put in a commanding performance at the back, linking up well with fellow youngster Jamie Parry, and capped his debut with the second goal, sandwiched between strikes from McLean & McDougald.
Daggers were a little more circumspect against Scarborough, who despite their pitiful form are a strong outfit. Nevertheless the Reds grabbed a deserved victory thanks to goals from Wayne Vaughan & Oleg Salenko.
Rich Wellard was delighted with the back to back results, praising his players for their stamina and drive. 'Two in three days is always tough but i had to make very few changes, the lads are all determined to see this through and send us up. We only need a single point but we want to win the Conference in style, so we'll be looking for three wins.'

Boston Utd v Dagenham

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Rachubka 8; Croft 7, Carslake 9, Parry 8, Simpkins 8; Garai 7; Terry 6 Dalglish 7;McLean 7, McDougald 8, McMennamin 8. Subs Salenko 7, Marshall 7, Senda 7.

Goals Stephens 58. McDougald 21, Carslake 40, McMennamin 72

MOM Carslake


Dagenham v Scarborough

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Rachubka 6; Woodman 6, Farley 6, Carslake 7, Simpkins 7; Marshall 7; Terry 7, Dalglish 6; Salenko 8, McLean 7, McDougald 7. Subs McMennamin 6, Senda 7, Vaughan 7.

Goals Vaughan 61, Salenko 76. Lowe 74

MOM Salenko

Dagenham Recorder 17/4/03

Reds Party on hold as Margate pull of last gasp victory.

Margate 3 Dagenham & Redbridge 2

A last gasp goal from on loan striker Richard Langley (his third of the game) denied the Daggers promotion with two games to go. But Rich Wellard remains confident that his side will clinch matters at Victoria Road against Woking in 10 days time.
The match was an excellent one, two attacking teams matching each other for much of the duration. Yet for all the industry of the Reds formidable front line, both goals came from the head of the increasingly impressive Matthew Carslake. Yet Margate refused to give up, and in QPR man Langley had the best player on the park by some margin. Twice equalising with sweet strikes from the edge of the area, the big forward bundled home an unlikely winner in stoppage time at the end of the game.
Rich Wellard admitted that despite the result, he had enjoyed the game; 'i can't complain too strongly, that was a great attacking spectacle & a draw would perhaps have been fair. On the plus side it means we can clinch the title in front of our own fans next week!'

Recorder Ratings (4-1-2-3) Rachubka 6; Woodman 7, Farley 6, Carslake 8, Simpkins 6; Marshall 5; Terry 6, Senda 7; McLean 7, Salenko 8, McDougald 7. Subs Parry 7, Dalglish 6, McMennamin 6

Goals Langley 21, 44, 90. Carslake 19, 31.

MOM Langley


Dagenham Recorder 27/4/03

Jubilant scenes as Daggers clinch promotion

Dagenham & Redbridge 3 Woking 0

The Daggers obtained League status for the first time in their history with an exuberant performance against relegated Woking. A record crowd saw the home side completely dominate proceedings, first half goals from Danny Senda & Oleg Salenko all but confirming the result within the first 20 minutes. For the remainder of the game the Daggers played elaborate posession football, restricting Woking to a single shot on goal while creating numerous opportunities themselves. They only scored once more, however, Junior McDougald showing a sense of occasion by volleying home his 25th of the season towards the end.
With Barnet's draw the Conference title was won, and will be presented at Stalybridge next week in the Daggers final game of the season. After the game a delighted Rich Wellard paid tribute to his players. 'i always hoped we'd end thhe season like this, but i'd be lying if i said i was always confident of it. I feel we've been worth our position for most of the season, and i'm so proud of the way the lads have performed week in week out. It's tough when there's so many players at the club but i thiink we've got the foundations of a good squad. Hopefully we can achieve something next season as well.'

Recorder Ratings : (4-1-2-3) Gueret 7; Woodman 6, Parry 7, Carslake 7, Simpkins 7; Garai 8; Pearson 7, Senda 7; Salenko 8, McLean 7, McDougald 8. Subs McMennamin 8, Farley 7.

Goals Senda 8, Salenko 17, McDougald 71

MOM McDougald



www.daggersonline.net 30/04/03

RICH'S RANT

Somehow it's always tougher to talk about a successful season than a poor one. i'm not going to be arrogant and suggest everything went as planned, but we were always quietly confident that this'd be our year. Even in our slump before Christmas we knew that a good run would get us back up, and so it proved.
It seems odd to talk about next season and appraise my players when we've still got a game to play...so i wont. However there are a few of the lads i want to single out for special attention;

Junior McDougald
I always new JMD would be vital to our cause. I played with him once or twice and he was a class act, albeit stifled a little by Pat Holland's tactics at Orient. Even so, 25 goals is a great performance, and most of them were important ones. He seems to revel in a three man forward line so hopefully he'll have another fruitful season in the Third Division.

Jamie Parry
Most of the plaudits at the end of the season are going to Jamie's defensive partner Matt Carslake, but while he has made a good start, i've been just as impressed with Jamie. He's probably been our most consistent player this season, and i can't wait t see the partnership he & Matt will form next year.

Aaron McLean
I knew all about Aaron when i signed him; he'd been one of my double winners at youth level with the O's and i felt he'd be more than good enough to do well at conference level. At times his attacking play was exhilerating, he's quick, skilful and good wth both feet. At 20 he's got a lot more to come.

I could continue but as i said, it doesn't feel right before the season is over. I'll probably be back at the end of the summer to cast an eye over the squad and i'll discuss the rest then. but for now, i'm off to bask in reflected glory...thank you all for your support and we hope to do even better next season!



Just to let you know, i'll try & post a final league table, stats and pre season this week, then i might be computerless for a few days. we'll see, though...

retired_amyslack

Well done on your promotion :thup: I'll look forward to you taking Division 3 by storm.

rmoore

[I]BobBev- cheers for the feedback.


Dagenham Recorder, 4/5/03

Jubilant Daggers sign off with victory

Stalybridge Celtic 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 1

The Daggers paraded the Conference title before kick off, but in truth looked a little hung over when the game began, struggling to overcome relegated Celtic. In fact, the decisive goal, from Oleg Salenko, was probably the sole moment of note in the whole game. Rich Wellard was predictably unconcerned, however; 'This was pretty much a meaningless game, in the end. All it does is give us a better winning margin. Still, the lads managed to get themselves up enough to get the points, so that's something.'

After this successful season we at the Recorder would like to offer the Reds our congratulations, and wish them luck in their assault on the league...although if Rich Wellard remains true to form it'll be a very different side we see next year...


www.daggersonline.net

McDougald voted Player of the Year

The Daggers supporters club unanimously voted Junior McDougald as the club's player of the year. The striker's 25 goals were critical to the club's stunning success this year and earned him 54% of the vote. Runner up was young centre back Jamie Parry, who also took Young Player of the Year.

On a more general note, more congratulations are due to McDougald for finishing as top scorer in the Conference for 02/03, and winning a place in the Team of the Year. There was also an honour for Rich Wellard, who took home the Conference Manager of the Year title.

rmoore

No idea if this is going to work...here's hoping

Final League Table 2002/03

English Conference

1Dagenham4224108864182
2Barnet4222137754379
3Telford4224414816176
4Nuneaton4222911917775
5Northwich4222911716175
6Farnborough4221813594771
7Morecambe42191211775969
8Leigh RMI4221516837668
9Southport42181212847166
10Stevenage4219518625662
11Boston42171114625962
12Yeovil4218618666460
13Enfield4217817555859
14Scarborough42161016505058
15Margate4216917666657
16Southend42151017615855
17Hereford42111615497049
18Hayes4213623607945
19Runcorn4271322487534
20Stalybridge427827699829
21Woking427827378129
22Stafford4276295310727

rmoore

Well, it's a bit messy but you get the idea...

Pre Season

www.daggersonline.net. 01/06/03

With the club building up for the new season, DaggersOnline is proud to present a new innovation for the Third Division - Rich Wellard's Weekly Online Diary (aka 'I got bored writing in the third person' -ed).

Hey everyone. i'm glad to have been given the opportunity to share my thoughts with you on a weekly basis...whether this is a good or bad thing will become clear as the season progresses. i'll be giving feedback on matches, transfer deals and other malarkey as and when it happens, so you should be the best informed fans in the League...outside the Premiership anyway.

Not much to discuss this week, but i am in the process of sealing a few deals for players (in and out) that were finalised earlier in the year. More as it happens, but for now i can let you know that we've made Paul Dalglish's loan move permanent, having agreed a fee of 16k for him with Orient. Paul looked quite good at the back end of last season and his league experience will help us no end. The other deal close to conclusion is for Sunderland full back Mark Maley; he's been with us for a week with a view to a 24k switch. He's a right back, which is good, as it seems Lee Goodwin could be on his way out... bigger clubs are sniffing around and we've already rejected a 45k offer from Portsmouth.

rmoore

www.daggersonline.net 14/6/03

We've had quite an eventful two weeks considering a lot of the lads are on holiday. We did play one pre season game, Garry taking the younger lads to the New Den for a match against Millwall; we lost 4-0 but the youngsters, trialists & academy kids we put out there gave a better account of themselves than that suggests. Off the pitch things have been ticking along as well; i've brought in Nigel worthington as my new head coach, which i'm delighted with as it'll give Garry & I more breathing space. There's been a little bit of transfer activity too. We released a couple of the youngsters earlier in the week, namely Stephen Webster & Kevin Richardson; they were the unfortunate result of a cull on our surfeit of strikers. i'm glad to report that they both seem to have landed on their feet, though...Kevin has signed a deal with Woking while Stephen is having trials at Crawley.

More relevant to us is the finalising of a deal for Lee Goodwin; Portsmouth were happy to stump up the 85k i requested so it looks like he'll be playing First division football next season. Good luck to him; he did a good job last campaign and can definitely make the step up.

LEE GOODWIN - Last Season Apps 39 Goals 0 Assts 3 MOM 1 AR 6.91

i've brought in some defensive cover for the new right back Mark Maley, in the form of 16 year old Scotsman Jamie Little. He's cost us 14k from Alloa, but he has raw potential and could develop well.

That's it for now; next update in a couple of weeks...



www.daggersonline.net 30/06/03

Well, here we are at the end of June, with another new face and a few departures to tell you about. The new face is Andy Crosby, a centre back who has joined us for free from Wrexham. He's solid & experienced & should back up the young lads well. Three players have left the club in the same period, two for cash fees. Phil Gibson has joined Macclesfield for 6k, while James Coppinger has gone to Cardiff for 45k. Again, both are strikers, as it's dawned on me that forwards who can't score are actually not much use. i'm especially disappointed with James; we've made our money back on him but i had high hopes which he didn't come close to fulfilling. Still, not every deal can work, can it?
The last departure is a Daggers stalwart from before my time - keeper Paul Gothard. We'd have liked to hang on to him but he wasn't satisfied as a backup, so when Doncaster offered him first team football and a better wage he jumped at the chance. We let him leave for nothing as Doncaster are broke, but i always feel it's best to get rid of unhappy players asap unless they're vital to the cause.

Next month we have four friendlies scheduled, and look out for more transfer activity...