Should the Daggers stick or twist?

After a difficult first season in the Football League where relegation was narrowly avoided, Dagenham & Redbridge now have to make a decision which could determine whether or not they are involved in the same survival scrap this campaign.

Following the new FA player budget rules designed to prevent clubs overspending and entering administration, the Daggers have moved quickly with no less than seven post season departures including first teamers Dave Rainford, Sam Sloma and club favourite Chris Moore.

However, despite the full time capture of defender Mark Arber after a successive loan spell and the signing of Staines prolific striker Mark Nwokeji, many fans believe that the squad looks way too thin to be able to compete with bigger clubs in League 2.

Nevertheless, injuries played a major part in the Daggers progress last season with former Barnet winger Richard Graham and leading striker Paul Benson missing the majority of the season. Dagenham will argue that if they can keep Graham and Benson fit then they will almost be seen as new signings for the club.

Still, it has become clear in recent weeks that talented midfielder Glen Southam has been placed on the transfer list at his own request. With the recent departure of Dave Rainford, that would leave a midfield trio of Peter Gain, the currently injured Shane Huke and the inexperienced Solomon Taiwo. To make matters worse Huke frequently deputises at right back for the also currently injured Danny Foster.

With a real lack of depth emerging within the squad, you begin to wonder whether or not John Still is to place his faith in his youngsters this coming season. The club’s reserves currently contains potential talents in Harlee Dean, Tommy Tejan-Sie and Anthony Cook. Although these boys have shone every week for the reserves, the question remains are they good enough to hold their own at League 2 level? Hopefully a pre season run out will determine if these youngsters are the answer to what is currently a paper thin squad.

However, with little under five weeks until the season begins, Dagenham face a big decision. Should they keep faith with a familiar looking squad or risk stretching the player budget with a couple of new faces?

The Sqaud

Goalkeepers

Tony Roberts
Ed Thompson
Dave Hogan

Defenders

Scott Griffiths
Marlon Patterson (Transfer listed)
Mark Arber
Anwar Uddin
Jon Boardman
Magnus Okunghae (On loan last season)
Danny Foster (Injured)

Midfielders

Richard Graham
Dominic Green
Glen Southam (Transfer Listed)
Shane Huke (Injured)
Peter Gain
Solomon Taiwo
Sam Saunders

Strikers

Paul Benson
Ben Strevens
Jon Nurse
Mark Nwokeji

Leading Youngsters

Harlee Dean
Tommy Tejan-Sie
Anthony Cook

Left

Jamie Taylor
Chris Moore
Shabazz Baidoo
Dave Rainford
Sam Sloma
Ross Smith
Lee Goodwin