Daggers Future Secured Thanks To American Investment

Former Manchester United and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is part of a consortium stepping in to help save the National League club.

The new owners have also assured manager Peter Taylor of his future as an agreement was finally reached.

A club statement read: “We are very pleased to announce that Victoria Road Football, LLC, an American entity, have completed the purchase of the majority of the shares in the football club.

“This deal sees Dagenham & Redbridge FC Ltd, which is the Full Members company limited by guarantee, retain their portion of Dagenham & Redbridge FC 2017 Ltd while Directors David Bennett and Stephen Thompson also retain their original holdings of the club.

“Whilst this process has been progressing, the club has been limited to what it was able to announce due to confidentiality, but it did ensure that the Full Members Director was kept advised at each stage.

“The new consortium, Victoria Road Football, LLC is a company led by Peter B. Freund, Craig Unger and former Premier League goalkeeper, Tim Howard. The group has already had a successful launch of professional soccer in Memphis, TN with the United Soccer League’s Memphis 901 FC, a division II club.

“Peter and Craig’s many years of operational experience, both owning and operating professional sports franchises throughout North America, and Tim Howard, with his expansive career in English football playing in the Premier League for 13 years with Everton and Manchester United, will seamlessly compliment the Dagenham & Redbridge management already in place.”

One of the new owners, Peter B. Freund, had a message for the fans after the purchase was rubbed stamped.

“When I first visited Victoria Road this summer for a friendly against Cambridge, and having come back for the match against Hartlepool, I was captivated by the incredible passion shown by the Daggers supporters.

“I consider my ability to come in and help this club, which has roots dating back to the 1880’s, as a privilege and will do everything I can to solidify it this season and give us a chance to return to the Football League in the future. I made a point to meet with Peter Taylor on both occasions and he has my full confidence to lead this club now and into the future.

“Along with Craig Unger, who serves as President of our United States Soccer Club, former Premier League goalkeeper and American soccer star Tim Howard and Managing Director, Steve Thompson, I am excited to roll up my sleeves, continue to build on the tradition and history of this club, and create an environment at the ground which generations of supporters will continue to be proud of.”