Former England international Andy Carroll has signed for sixth-tier side Dagenham & Redbridge on a free transfer, marking a surprising new chapter in his career.
The 36-year-old striker joins the National League South club on a reported three-year deal after parting ways with French side Bordeaux last month. Carroll cited a desire to be closer to his children as the main reason for leaving the French fourth-tier outfit after just one season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carroll revealed that he had received offers from clubs in higher divisions but chose Dagenham because of the club’s vision and the opportunity to play regular football.
“It’s not about the level or the money—it’s about playing football,” Carroll said.
“Coming here and showing people I’m doing this for the love of the game means more to me.
This is something that could be fantastic.
We have a project to get Dagenham out of non-league and back up the football pyramid.”
Carroll, who hails from Gateshead, made 248 Premier League appearances and scored 54 goals during his time with Newcastle United, Liverpool, and West Ham United.
He later played for Reading, West Bromwich Albion, and French side Amiens before joining Bordeaux.
Between 2010 and 2012, Carroll earned nine caps for England and scored two international goals.
The signing comes on the same day Dagenham & Redbridge announced a pending change in club ownership.
A consortium of Qatari private investors has agreed to purchase the club, pending approval from the Football Association and the National League.
The Daggers were previously acquired by Club Underdog, a subsidiary of the US-based North Six Group, in May 2024.
“Completion of the transaction remains subject to legal finalisation and regulatory approval,” the club said in a statement.
