ECHOSPORT talks to Dagenham & Redbridge fan Joel Page ahead of Monday's match at Roots Hall
Just like Southend, Dagenham have taken five points from their first four games of the season. What have you made of the start?
"It’s been fairly average so far: a win, defeat and two draws.
"Friday’s against Halifax was hard to take after completely dominating the game, but that’s the risk with not killing it off.
"On the other hand, we were fortunate to leave Rochdale with a point last weekend having scored with our first shot on 52 minutes, while they had countless opportunities, so that near enough evens out and we’re probably where we deserve to be around mid-table from a small sample size to date."
What are the hopes for Dagenham this season and what do you feel is possible?
"Play-offs were the stated aim under new ownership.
"That will be difficult unless our strikers get going and the defence start to keep clean sheets - one in 30 league games going back to last November - but we do have some really talented players."
Has the team changed much since last season?
"There have been many signings, primarily with an emphasis on youth and potential, but only a few have started as yet.
"Inih Effiong was a massive loss which we’ve attempted to mitigate by bringing in four senior strikers, including the return of former fans’ favourite Junior Morias on loan, but neither he nor the others have got off the mark.
"Another big void has been in midfield. We made a concerted attempt to secure Keenan Appiah-Forson permanently upon becoming a free agent but to no avail, turning to Christian N’Guessan, who seems decent in his own right. At centre half, Paul Kalambayi replaced Nikola Tavares, after he joined Barnet."
Who is the dangerman?
"Dion Pereira is an exceptional footballer who, while there are obviously reasons he is, should be nowhere near this level.
"He proved that on occasion during last season’s loan but somehow we were able to get him back. He scored twice and got an assist in the opening two games before being subject to some very tailored defending since, though has still caused plenty of problems."
What's the team news?
Ryan Hill then Jake Hessenthaler both went off injured on Friday, the latter hadn’t missed a minute of league action since signing last summer, so it’s likely they’ll be out. Assuming that, Shiloh Remy will come into the side, for what will be a deserved opportunity after being our liveliest performer throughout pre-season. The midfield situation would be more complex as there’s no direct replacement, meaning Frank Vincent, Josh Rees or even Harry Phipps would move there.
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