Dagenham & Redbridge FC said they are “thrilled to announce its most significant strategic partnership to date: Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, known globally as KSI, has officially joined the club as a shareholder and strategic partner.
“This landmark move follows the recent takeover by the Happy Fan Group and marks a watershed moment for the Daggers, combining football heritage with vast new global reach.”
KSI says in the club’s statement: “I’m so excited to start this journey. It’s gonna be a rollercoaster for sure but I hope to bring Dagenham and Redbridge back to the glory days. And once we reach that point, I want to go even further. Reaching the Premier League would be a dream. And I believe it is 100% doable. It will take a long time, so to the Daggers fans, please be patient. I want you to know that I am fully committed to making sure Dagenham and Redbridge is a team that everyone will know worldwide, and will be an exciting team to watch and support. I’ve been watching games secretly at home for months on YouTube streams so it feels so good to finally show my support publicly. For those of you that are OG fans (Race to Division One), you’ll know that this is a full circle moment for me. This is a really big deal for me and I can’t wait to go to my first game this Saturday against the league leaders, Dorking Wanderers!”
The club continued: “This chain of positive influence highlights the compelling narrative developing at Victoria Road. His involvement immediately provides an unparalleled platform for global growth and engagement. KSI’s investment is underpinned by his love of football, and driven by a genuine commitment to supporting the club’s renewed pledge for stability, transparency, and on-pitch success.
“This announcement marks the realisation of a lifelong dream to become an owner of a football club. KSI’s extraordinary audience, spanning millions of followers across YouTube, music, and boxing, will instantly elevate the Daggers’ profile, creating immense opportunities for commercial growth and youth engagement.
“This appointment solidifies the leadership team’s commitment to injecting new energy, expertise, and capital into the club as the strategic review progresses.
“We invite all fans and partners to join us at Victoria Road Stadium to witness history when the Daggers host Dorking Wanderers on Saturday 7th March.”
John Grabowski commented on this news, saying, “Having JJ as a shareholder in Dagenham & Redbridge is transformative for the club. His passion for disruption, connections with people, and motivation to succeed perfectly aligns with the ambition of this Club moving forward. This partnership is a clear statement of our intent: to build a truly unique club that is relevant to both its local community and a global audience. We welcome JJ and look forward to working together to deliver a brighter future for the Daggers.”
Yep, that’s right. @KSI is a DAGGER 🤩
We are thrilled to announce our most significant strategic partnership to date: Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, known globally as KSI, has officially joined the club as a shareholder and strategic partner 🤝https://t.co/5vsKAfwkgO
— Dagenham & Redbridge (@Dag_RedFC) March 3, 2026
KSI said in a video posted: “I want to tell the world something big is going to happen. I’ve done boxing, music, YouTube content. I’ve done TV stuff. I’ve been around the world, done tours. I’m a man that does whatever I want. You can’t ever stop, you can’t ever stop wanting more.
“I am buying Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club. How does it feel? So real, bro. Out of this world. Just the idea of it just excites me so much, man.
“Years ago, I saw the excitement, the happiness, the joy. I want to bring that back and then surpass it. I want the place to be pumping. I want the place to be rocking. I want it to be an event whenever you come here.
“Playing a video game and owning a football club is very different. I know that. But with Race to Division One, it was a journey.
“It was hard, but in the end, I did it. With this club, I want to do the unthinkable. I want to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League.
“It’s obviously going to take time, but I’d say the realistic stage is getting out of this league and entering the National League.
“We need to improve the team, have some additions to really take it to another level, and I want to build the community.
“Everyone here is fantastic, hard-working people, and I want to be the man that can affect things on the pitch as well as off the pitch.
“I want to be the man that can change the world. I want to be the man that can change the world.
“You guys have been here way longer than I have, and I know to some of you, it might be scary, me being one of the owners.
“But I’m reachable. You can literally tweet me, and I will see it. You can let your frustrations out to me or celebrate with me.
“I’m approachable. Like, bro, what owner do you know is sitting with the fans like this? That’s me, bro. That’s me.
“I’m a fighter. I’ve broken my nose. I’ve broken my hand.
“I’ve broken my thumb. I’ve been in tough fights, but I keep going no matter what. With Daggers, I’m going to keep fighting.
“I’m going to do everything I can to make sure we succeed. I’m just ready to get started.”
All in. Andy Carroll’s commitment to the Club is confirmed. pic.twitter.com/StVgiddf95
— Dagenham & Redbridge (@Dag_RedFC) February 28, 2026
STATEMENT ON ANDY CARROLL
From the pitch to the boardroom: England international reaffirms long-term dedication to the Daggers’ revival. Dagenham & Redbridge FC is delighted to announce that Andy Carroll has officially been confirmed as a shareholder of the Club.
Unwavering Commitment – While Carroll’s arrival as a player-owner was first shared with supporters in July 2025, the finalisation of his shareholding marks a significant milestone in the Club’s new era, solidifying Carroll’s dual role on and off the pitch.
The former England, Newcastle United, and West Ham striker has committed to the Daggers to rebuild, not only as the marquee signing in the National League South but as a long-term partner in the Club’s revival.
This season, Andy has shown the on-field heights he can deliver 9 goal contributions in 16 appearances for the Daggers, punctuated by his hat-trick, away at AFC Totton in November.
Despite his strong form being derailed by injury, Andy remains a constant presence around the team and the club, in training, and at matches, home & away.
Andy Carroll commented, “This is just the start, I can’t wait for the journey. I am incredibly proud to finally have everything signed and confirmed. When I joined the Daggers, I said it was about more than just playing. I’m excited to continue the work to restore this Club to the Football League where it belongs.”
John Grabowski added, “We are thrilled to have Andy’s experience and passion officially integrated into the Club’s ownership structure. Having Andy invested in our success is a powerful signal of our shared intent to build a sustainable, winning future at Victoria Road.”
Looking Forward – The formalisation of Andy Carroll’s involvement, alongside the renewed clarity, is another step forward. The Club invites the community to join in the moment, together at Victoria Road, as we push toward a successful conclusion to the season. The future of Dagenham & Redbridge is being built on passion, commitment, and a shared drive to write the future of this Club. COYD ⚔️
Stephen Thompson MBE, to Step Down as Managing Director and from the Club’s Board of Directors as of the 31st March 2026.
Thank you for your dedication and service, Steve. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LVsgRMdxwp
— Dagenham & Redbridge (@Dag_RedFC) March 3, 2026
STATEMENT ON STEPHEN THOMPSON STEPPING DOWN:
Following the announcement of the takeover of Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club by the Happy Fan Group, Stephen Thompson MBE has decided to step down from his role as Managing Director and his position on the Club’s Board of Directors.
Honorary Life President – In recognition of Stephen’s unprecedented 45 years of dedication to this football club, first Dagenham FC and then Dagenham & Redbridge FC the Board of Directors have bestowed upon him the distinction of Honorary Life President of the club. In doing so the club wishes to offer its gratitude and respect for Steve’s extraordinary and unparalleled service, dedication, and loyalty to Dagenham & Redbridge over a lifetime of commitment.
A Life of Dedication – Steve Thompson MBE has been a pillar of Dagenham & Redbridge FC, helping to steer the club through decades of change. Steve has been involved in the club’s management since 1981, before the 1992 merger that created Dagenham & Redbridge FC, and became Managing Director in 2007. Steve has worked tirelessly for the club he holds so dear, seeing the Daggers achieve the highest highs of its history, culminating in the team’s remarkable promotion to League One.
His contributions to the community were recognised with an MBE in 2013 for his roles supporting sport & young people in the borough through a range of initiatives, including the “KICKZ” programme, which aims to promote community cohesion and youth diversion via football, and the Daggers Against Racism campaign, started in 2010 and which received national critical acclaim.
His commitment ensured stability and professionalism during critical periods, and his legacy is cemented not just in the boardroom, which bears his name, but also in the heart of the Daggers community.
A National Voice for Non-League Football – Beyond his crucial work at Dagenham & Redbridge, Steve has been a respected and influential figure across the entire English football pyramid. His service on the Board of the National League and his work and his role as an FA Councillor have made him a passionate advocate for the interests of non-league clubs. Steve is a leading force in the National League’s pivotal ‘3 UP’ Campaign and has been heavily involved within the National League in it’s discussions with the new Independent Football Regulator.
A Lasting Legacy – When asked about stepping down and what he feels his legacy will be, Steve responded, “Firstly, can I say that it has been a privilege to have been associated with the club for so long and the part I have been able to play over the years. But with the takeover by the Happy Fan Group, I feel it is the right time to step down and hand the reins to the new owners.
As a lifelong supporter first, I wish them the very best for the club. I am also extremely humbled and honoured to have been made the club’s Honorary Life President, and I thank the new Board for their generosity. As to legacy, there have been many things, but a few achievements do stand out.
In the years after our Promotion Final defeat to Doncaster Rovers, the then Football League changed their entry criteria, with only incorporated companies allowed to be members. Early in the 2006/07 season, I realised that the club needed to incorporate if we were to be able to challenge for promotion. I started the process in September 2006 not realising the complexities of such a change. It was a huge undertaking which was not completed until March 2007, just a few weeks before we won promotion by beating Aldershot Town. Without that we would have been denied the promotion we had earned.
The other, very tangible achievement, was the funding of the SD Samuels Stand. This cost £1.4 million and as we were only eligible for £680,000 in grants many people suggested we took the cheaper option of just a purpose-built stand providing the required extra 1,000 covered seats but nothing else. I believed that we had a greater opportunity and set about raising the extra funds to deliver what we now have.
But my greatest legacy must be the club itself. In the darkest days of 2018, we were within five days of being liquidated and at times I felt that I had the whole world on my shoulders. With the support of people like Dave Bennett, Ray Calcutt, Paul Gwinn, Mark Odams and John Still, and our fantastic supporters we fought for our very survival. I remember the Summer night when we held a supporters meeting where many people were convinced that we were going to announce the closure of the club. The six of us were crammed into my office trying to decide our future and my five colleagues looked at me and almost as a one asked “so what are you going to do”. At that moment I decided I couldn’t close the club whilst there was still a chance and nearly 8 years later we can still look to the future”
Thank You, Steve – Incoming Chairman, Anwar Uddin, who captained the side that reached League One said, “This Club’s very existence and most significant achievements have been underpinned by the hard work, professionalism and steadfast commitment of Steve Thompson. His leadership and work ethic have set a standard to which others should aspire, and his longstanding support of the Club, the National League and The FA has helped establish a strong and sustainable foundation on which we can continue to build.”
John Grabowski stated, “It is impossible to quantify the commitment Steve has shown to Dagenham & Redbridge. He is an icon of this club, and his service record is truly exceptional. As we move forward, Steve’s input, wisdom, and passion have left an indelible mark on everything we do. Personally, I am grateful for the lifetime of knowledge that Steve has sought to share with me, and appreciate the time he has taken to teach me everything he can about maintaining and enhancing the future of this club. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours and thank him for everything.”
Of course, we all know Steve will remain a Dagger for life, and you can expect him to remain aregular at the Club’s fixtures at home and on the road.
The club asks every Daggers fan, stakeholder, and member of the wider football community to join us in sincerely thanking Steve for his service and unwavering commitment to Dagenham & Redbridge FC.
Here’s how fans reacted as KSI buys Dagenham and Redbridge while Andy Carroll becomes their new shareholder…
@NonLeagueZac: This is huge! Genuinely massive! Wish you all the best with it @KSI! So good to see more people getting involved in non league and supporting! A massive step for yourself and the club 👏
@tompearmantalks: had known this for a few months now but to see it official is incredibly surreal, excited for the ride but cautious as it is Dagenham at the end of the day…
@ScoutingHive: This will be interesting to see how it unfolds. I think it’s a net positive for Dagenham and Redbridge as a club, but always scary when big changes commence.
@HiccupEU: This is HUGE news for Non league, I think they will succeed massively under KSIs ownership. There will be even more eyes on it now and I can only imagine the money he will bring in from sponsors etc. A brilliant day to be a daggers fan
@BradEngle90: Wow! This is just something else, this is going to be the start of something unreal. Welcome @KSI
@OnceADagger: Football. Will be the fucking death of me. Will hopefully get much needed younger fans into the club, and commercially wow. Could be genuinely huge. This is one of the most marketable people in the country. But just one normal season, please 😂
@tryan255: NLS is in 2026 is Neil Warnock back and KSI owning a team that has Andy Caroll, Joe Haigh and Reggie Young on the books
@OnceADagger: Hi KSI, I look forward to hearing your plans for the Carling Stand toilets imminently.
@SAFCCR: That’s actually class tbf, he’s a hard worker so I reckon he might do some great things for that club
@nocontextfm1: KSI’s just bought Dagenham & Redbridge… 😂 Easy first save on FM27 for everyone now 🙏
@joshpearson180: KSI buying a football club is mad. Only feels like yesterday he was doing Q&A Sunday’s with his mum calling her Gervinho. God I’m getting old 😂
@fusionjosh_: Non-League is really on the UP. Oh my word, that’s incredible 👏🏻
@_callumfowler: There has to be a reason rich people are willing to buy clubs and sink those millions in todays football clubs. Regulator actually planning on doing something us normal people don’t know about?
