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With comments added by Steve & Tom. Add yours?

GARRY HILL
Manager Became the fifth manager in the Daggers history when he joined the Club during the close season. Gary had his first taste of football management with Sunday League side Priory Sports before having six very successful years with Heybridge Swifts, taking the club from the foot of the Isthmian League division one to their best ever position, the first round of the F.A.Cup and the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy. He left the Scraley Road side to take over the reigns at St Albans City towards the end of the 1997/8 season and last season took the Hertfordshire Club to the FA Trophy semi-final and the first round of the FA Cup.

TERRY HARRIS
Assistant Manager Joined from St Albans City during the close season. Terry played for Sutton United, Dartford, Enfield and Chelmsford City and Dagenham for whom he scored at Wembley in the 1977 FA Trophy Final. He has coached at Dartford, Enfield and Tilbury prior to St Albans.

RICHARD HARPER
Physio Joined the Club during the close season. Richard was previously physio at Leyton Orient, Heybridge Swifts and St Albans City.

PERRY SUCKLING (Goalkeeper)
Perry signed for the Daggers upon his return from South Africa during the close season. A former England youth and Under 21 international, Perry played over 250 football league games for Coventry City, Crystal Palace, Watford and Doncaster Rovers. He also spent a period on loan to West Ham United. Whilst in South Africa he worked along side former Manchester United player Gary Bailey coaching young goalkeepers. His last Club in South Africa was Super Sports United.

Steve's Comments: I haven't seen him play yet.

Thomas's Comments: Because of the signing of Paul Newell from St. Albans City, I haven't actually seen Perry play although I have heard that he is a quality keeper.

CALVIN HAYWOOD (Goalkeeper)
Calvin has been part of the Clubs victorious reserve side for the past three seasons. He played in both the League cup competitions and County Cup last season and made his debut against Aylesbury United on March 28th. Kept a clean sheet on that occasion and also in his next match against Boreham Wood three days later.

Steve's Comments: I only saw him play for the two games last season, seems ok but I don't believe he is a first team player, not yet.

Thomas's Comments: Calvin is a tall, strong goalkeeper who uses a lot more of his feet than his hands, he has vanished this season but did brilliantly in the two games he appeared in last season.

Calvin is now at Ilford

STEVE HEFFER (Midfielder)
Became Gary Hill's fourth signing, joining the club from Boreham Wood for £5000 during the summer. Steve's father, Paul, played for local Pro-club West Ham in the early seventies.

Steve's Comments: As yet I am not totally convinced about Steve. He has undoubted commitment but is not consistent enough to move into my fave players. He is a bit like Kirk Game, who was never given enough respect for the ammount of work done. Hopefully my attitude toward him will change later in the season.

Thomas's Comments: A good all round player that shows very good skill at times. He is slighty slow but never misses a tackle.

MARTIN ST HILLIARE(Midfielder) Martin signed for the Club during the close season. Previously played for Enfield, Aveley, Chesham United, Yeovil Town and Billericay Town, whom he signed for in December 1997. Made his league debut for Dagenham & Redbridge away at Harrow Borough on the opening day of the season.

Steve's Comments:I read a book (yes I know a football supporter who reads, shouldn't be allowed!) many years ago by Fred Ayre. He was watching a good player, who would win a ball, make a run and hold to it one move too long. Fred mentioned it to the player, who within a couple of games became exceptionally good. This is how I feel about Martin. With a bit better distribution he could become a great player

Tom's Comments: Works well with Cole and Woolsey on the right side of the field. Quick and likes to take Defenders on.

Martin moved to Chesham at the end of October 1999.

MATT JONES (Midfielder)
Tough tackling midfielder who followed his manager Garry Hill from Heybridge Swifts to St Albans towards the end of the 1997/98 season. Spent over four years at Heybridge having joined the Essex club from neighbouring Chelmsford City with whom he played for three seasons. A former England schoolboy international, he made a handful of league appearances for Southend United ten years ago. Matt was St Albans' second highest scorer in the Ryman League last term.

Steve's Comments: I have a bit of a problem with Matt's attitude, He has the 'it's never my fault' syndrome and tends to blame everyone else when thing's are not going his way. I must add, though, that I love the thought of someone in midfield attacking the defence and scoring goals and that is what Matt is doing at present. A slight reduction in attitude wouldn't go amiss.

Thomas's Comments: A tall strong midfielder who pushes foward a lot and scores quite a few good goals. Has a good relationship with the fans. Can be very tough tackling and has a slight temper.

DEREK PAYNE (Midfielder)
Derek joined the Club from Peterborough during the close season. He started his career in semi-pro football with Kingsbury Town, Burnham and Hayes before signing as a full pro for Barnet in 1991. He went on to make 61 appearances for the Bees and followed Barry Fry to Southend United in 1993, playing 35 games for the Roots Hall side. The following season he was transferred to Watford where he spent two years. Derek moved to Peterborough United in 1996 for a third spell under manager Barry Fry.

Steve's Comments: Derek, or Del as he is known when I get home from a game on a Saturday, is, at present, my favourite player. His vision and distrubution is exceptional. He doesn't try to be impressive and will choose the simple ball when required.

Thomas's Comments: Although not one of my favourite players he has good vision and holds well in midfield. Small but good at free kicks and corners.

MICK BODLEY (Central Defender)
Date of Birth: 29/9/73 Became Gary Hill's first signing for Dagenham & Redbridge. Began his career as a schoolboy with Chelsea and progressed through to the first team before joining Northampton Town. Had a three year spell with Barnet, then followed Barry Fry to Southend United. Mick had loan spells with Gillingham and Birmingham City prior to joining Peterborough United where he was club captain. Left the Posh last season to join St Albans before joining the Daggers during the close season.

Steve's Comments: A consistent player who doesn't draw attention to himself, hence the reason that I can't find anything to say!

Thomas's Comments: Another player that I am not mad about but can get the team together when their heads are down. I believe that Lee Goodwin would be a better choice as he is a bit quicker.

JASON BROOM (Midfielder)
Jason began his career with Eton Manor before joining the Club for a four figure fee from Essex neighbours Billericay Town in 1991. He immediately featured in the Isthmian League Championship winning team that year and gained FA representative honours in 1993 and 1995. He was a member of the 1997 FA Umbro Trophy Final team. Jason's career has been dodged by injuries and missed a majority of the 1997/8 season following an operation on a recurring shoulder problem. Was made Club Captain towards the end of last season.

Steve's Comments: I had severe doubts about Jason playing at left back but up to now he has proved me wrong and as a bonus he has been free from injury for 3 months too. Cue, shoulder injury! I would be happier with him on the left of midfield pushing froward but as I have said before, the commitee didn't select me when choosing the new manager.

Thomas's Comments: One of my favourite present players at the club. Doesn't shine in defence and would be better in an attacking role on the left of midfield but can still score and works well with Matt Jones. My bet for Internet Man of the Match this season.

STEVE CONNER (Defender)
Born Essex in 1964, Steve played for East Thurrock United, Tilbury and Dartford before joining the club during the 1990 close season. Steve is now the clubs record appearance holder and has several England Semi-Professional caps to his name. He was a member of Redbridge Forests Isthmian League Championship winning team in 1990/91. Captained the Isthmian league side against the Combined Services at Hendon in February 1997. A member of the 1997 FA Umbro Trophy final team. Steve spent the majority of last season on the treatment table but is now fully fit.

Steve's Comments: Well Steve has been a great servant to the club, He may become important to the team when the suspensions and injuries kick in as his experience will be very useful.

Thomas's Comments: Steve is now getting back to full fitness. Would work well with Cole, Goodwin and Matthews in defence but I beleive this will be his last season with the club before he drops down to the lower leagues. Broke the tradition by not getting sent off at Purfleet in October.

PAUL COBB (Forward)
Paul has played for Leyton Orient, Enfield and had three spells with Purfleet. It was Purfleet from whom he joined the Daggers during the 1997 close season for a five figure fee. He has finished the last three seasons as one of the top Isthmian league goalscorers. Represented the Isthmian League against the FAXI at Kingstonain in December 1997. Scored the first goal in the Essex Senior Cup triumph over Purfleet and finished the last two seasons as the Clubs top League goalscorer. Has now scored over 50 goals.

Steve's Comments: Not looking completely comfortable at present. Still, I think, needs to achieve more understanding with the players around him as they need to with he. Paul is not a goalscorer per se but has many other weapons in his armoury.

Thomas's Comments: Another of my favourite players and a player I have a lot of respect for. Has works hard and will be up there with the top scorers this season. Works well with McDougald but would be better with Shipp featuring as well.

TIM COLE (Midfielder/Defender)
Tim started with Walthamstow Pennant but had to wait until September 1995 for his debut due to an injury. Dagenham & Redbridge signed him in March 1997 from Leyton Pennant for a four figure fee after being watched by many Football League scouts. Tim was named the Clubs player of the season in 1997/8.

Steve's Comments: Tim only makes me panic twice per game, a good defender with great distribution an vision. He performs many back headers, some of which cause a little heart flutter. Likes to get forward where his headers are more consructive.

Thomas's Comments: A strong and reliable defender who has been one of the best players at the club for the last few seasons. Isn't the best in the centre and would be better on the right. Another good all round player.

DANNY SHIPP (Forward)
Danny joined the Club from Northern Irish League side Coleraine last season. He started his career at West Ham United and spent two periods on loan at the Daggers before being transferred to Ireland in a £150,000 deal in 1996. Within two minutes of his first appearance scored a 40 yard stunner at Peterborough United in the FA Cup last season. Danny has now scored 50 goals for the club including three hat tricks.

Steve's Comments: A great player to have on the bench, but how long will he want to be there. Junior, Paul and Danny all have special qualities as strikers and should be rotated more frequently.

Thomas's Comments: After my little moan last season is one of my favourite players. Although not starting he is still scoring and should start to get a first team place. Holds the ball up well and is still scoring breath taking goals.

LEE MATTHEWS (Defender)
Lee joined the Daggers for a four figure fee in January 1998 from near neighbours Purfleet and made his debut away to Carshalton Athletic. He is a former Southend United trainee who moved to Purfleet in July 1991 going on to make over 250 appearances for the Club.

Steve's Comments: Lee is a class defender, and, if fit, will no doubt help us win this league. He is also capable of playing in the conference.

Thomas's Comments: A tall, tough tackling defender who is another I would tip to be the Internet Man of the Match. Hasn't played in the last few matches, but hopefully will be back soon.

MARK JANNEY (Midfielder)
Mark was released by Tottenham Hotspur in September 1997 and joined the Daggers. He made a great impression in the clubs reserves and made his full debut in a County Cup tie. Mark has now broken into the first team on a regular basis. Pulled a hamstring in the 0-0 draw with Gravesend & Northfleet and was then out for the rest of the season. Recently signed a one year extension to his contract.

Steve's Comments: Tom wrote his comments first and I have to agree with him. We all know what he can do 'cause we've seen it. Bring him back. Give him a run out for a few games, I don't think he will let us down.

Thomas's Comments: Hasn't started one game this season which I think is an outrage. He should be playing insted of Jeff Woolsey and shouldn't be on loan to such a low division team (Braintree Town). I will be suprised if he is still here at the end of this season.

The following information arrived after the above comments were made: Mark has been trying to regain fitness since last season and has been on loan to Braintree Town for this very purpose. He played in the 4-0 win against Basingstoke on the 30 October 1999.

JEFF WOOLSEY (Defender)
Jeff made his Ryman League debut for Dagenham & Redbridge in the 4-0 victory over Walton & Hersham and has held onto his place since. Prior to this Jeff has been an amost ever present in the reserves. Played in the Football League for Brighton Hove Albion in 1998.

Steve's Comments: Jeff is OK, plays well in defence, but isn't consistent enough for me. Perhaps he will improve in time.

Thomas's Comments: One player that I am not keen on and I won't say more than that.

PAUL TERRY (Midfielder)
Paul is a product of the Clubs very successful reserve side. He made his Ryman League debut for Dagenham & Redbridge last season and has scored some important goals.

Steve's Comments: Paul is Ok too, again, I hope he improves to help us later in the season

Thomas's Comments: Came through the reserves well but hasn't shone for me. Can be in-consistent.

JUNIOR McDOUGALD (Forward)
Signed for the Club during the close season from Leyton Orient. Made his league debut for Dagenham & Redbridge away at Harrow Borough on the opening day of the season.

Steve's Comments: Junior will be so instumental in our push for promotion, his work rate is phenominal and will score more goals, I hope. At present there just doesn't seem to be the understanding between Junior and the players around him. This should come with time, but how much have we got?

Thomas's Comments: A good, strong and fast striker who can put in some very good crosses and score lots of goals.

DOMINIC NAYLOR
Joined the Daggers in late October on a months loan from Stevenage Borough and made his debut at Basingstoke Town. Born Watford in August 1970, Dominic came through the trainee ranks at Watford before moving to Halifax in 1990. He made over 200 football league appearances with Halifax, Barnet, Plymouth Argyle, Gillingham and Leyton Orient. He moved into Semi-Professional football in August 1998 after joining Stevenage Borough from the O's.

Steve's Comments: Dominic is a fairly reliable defender although at times he does make some fundamental mistakes. Thankfully they are far outweighed by his experience that he has gained from playing at a higher level.

TONY'S COMMENTS:A sturdy left back has the valuble experience at conference level (for when we get promoted), but a superb tackler and also very good when it comes to taking corners and free kicks.

YOUNESS NABIL

Youness Nabil signed for the Daggers from Slough Town in November 1999. Youness is a Moroccan who began his career at the FAS Club in his home country. He was spotted playing local football in 1994 by Chertsey Town before being signed by Chesham United in February 1997 where he helped them win the first division title. Youness made his Daggers debut as a second half substitute against his former Club, Chesham United.

Steve's Comments: I think Youness is a very exciting signing. His control and first touch can create so much space and time that it can turn a game. He takes players on and does give us the width that we sometimes lack.

TONY'S COMMENTS: No doubt a very skillful player at this level and a very nice person to talk to (on train to carshalton), has the abils\\Daggers\\Website\\archive98\\Archive\\News97-98} {} false 0 0 0 0 0 1 {} 0 0 {} {} {} {} {} {} 0 {} {} {} false {} {} false true false false {file} {} {} {} 0 {///E|/Websites/Daggers/Website/archive98/Archive/News97-98/Fiasco.html} {} {} true {../News97-98/Fiasco.html} {} false 4 0 0 2 {http} {} {} {www.daggers.mcmail.com} 0 {/index2000.htm} {} {} true {http://www.daggers.mcmail.com/index2000.htm} {} false 4668238 {file} {} {} {} 0 {///E