Former Reading FC striker Andy Carroll has been placed in interim charge of Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. following the club’s decision to part company with manager Lee Bradbury.
The National League South side confirmed Bradbury’s dismissal after a difficult run of results, with Carroll stepping into the role on a temporary basis while a search for a permanent successor is undertaken. The 37-year-old, who joined the Daggers as a player in 2025 and has been involved behind the scenes, will now take charge of first-team affairs for the first time in his career.
Carroll enjoyed a long playing career at the highest level, featuring in the Premier League for clubs including Newcastle United, Liverpool and West Ham United, as well as earning international recognition with England. His appointment marks a significant step into coaching, with the former striker now tasked with steadying a side competing in the sixth tier of English football.
He is also a familiar figure to supporters of Reading, having had two spells with the club in Berkshire. Carroll initially joined Reading in September 2022 on a short-term deal, quickly making an impression with his aerial ability and physical presence. He scored a number some important goals and became a popular figure among fans for his work rate and experience in a relatively young squad.
His spell with Reading was extended beyond its initial terms, allowing him to play a key role during a challenging period for the club both on and off the pitch, before he eventually moved on in 2023 after Ruben Selles joined the club and opted for a different style of football to previous boss Paul Ince.
After spending some years in France playing for Amiens and then for Bordeaux, Carroll returned to England.
Dagenham & Redbridge are currently navigating a period of transition following recent changes off the pitch, and Carroll’s interim appointment offers a high-profile but relatively untested option in the dugout. The club will hope his leadership qualities and top-level experience can provide a lift as they look to improve their position in the National League South standings.
