Dagenham & Redbridge Chairman, David Andrews, speaks in Issue 16 of his belief that the Daggers are ready to progress off the pitch while Manager John Still continues their on-field forward momentum after their success in the League Two Play-Offs at Wembley.
Andrews, speaking exclusively in the brand new edition of ECFA Magazine, thinks the time has come for them to make a name in League One. “We’re still pinching ourselves,” he revealed. “I look at our new stand and think it’s the one thing that has jumped us up into becoming a Football League club. Some of our facilities had become too small for us but that stand has new dressing rooms, a bar and offices.”
David has seen it all since an amalgamation of several clubs nearby created them in 1992 though he jokingly claims to be on the lookout for a Roman Abramovich-type character to help him enhance the club. He added: “I have so many memories from being around football for 50 years. I look at us now and we haven’t got any debt and we’re trying to start-up a School of Excellence!”
Andrews features in Issue 16 of the Essex County FA’s twice-yearly publication which was distributed to coincide with the re-affiliation of the County’s 1,600-strong club membership. The new issue also contains features on Essex-based Slovakian referee Roman Kipikasa’s take on the World Cup and well as well as full coaching course listings.
Ensure you don’t miss out on your free copy by phoning (01245) 393085 or sending an E-Mail with your name and postal address to info@essexfa.com. Alternatively, visit the 'Related Links' to browse and download a fully interactive copy online in association with Absolute Sports.
What Else Can You Expect in Issue 16?
Amateur Football Alliance: Long before any £100k-a-week wage patterns in the Premier League were taken as read, Walthamstow was a hotbed of support for the maintenance of the purely amateur game.
Central Venue Leagues: With the current climate demanding an emphasis on reducing costs and making finances stretch further, competitions at a middling venue are as popular as they have ever been.
Small-Sided Football: Essex has been selected as one of 15 Small-Sided Football ‘Focus’ Counties nationwide, so expect to see increased opportunities to participate near you soon!
County Cup Finals: Over a thousand teams entered Essex’s County Cups back in September with dreams of making a showpiece final. See who made it all the way and where the silverware went.
FA Tesco Skills: Know of a 5-11-year-old who’d like to raise their standards of play whilst keeping fun at the forefront of their training? Then a Skills Centre could be the ideal place to start.
Wembley Stadium Update: Our colleagues at The Football Association in North London update us on topics ranging from the National Game Strategy to football missionaries.
Olympic Legacy Funding: There’s more to London 2012 than simply athletics and the authorities are keen to ensure this prestigious event leaves a lasting positive impact on all sports locally and nationally.
Workshop Lowdown: Receive a glimpse into some of the Essex County FA’s short workshops covering areas such as Emergency Aid, Welfare and Safeguarding Children.
Coaching Courses: Your six-monthly list of the latest opportunities to get qualified can be found at the back of this issue, including some specialised courses and the more traditional favourites.