DAGGERS PUT UP FOR SALE BY USA OWNERS

DAGENHAM & Redbridge have been put up for sale after executive chairman Peter B. Freund conceded he has ‘failed’ supporters due to being unable to challenge for a return to the Football League.

The American, who is the principal owner of Trinity Sports Holdings, acquired the majority of the Daggers’ shares when he completed a takeover alongside the likes of Craig Unger and former Manchester United and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard in September 2018.

But it has been a testing period for Dagenham, with Ben Strevens’ side going into the weekend sitting just six points clear of the National League relegation zone, and Freund feels it is the right time to seek fresh investment.

In a club statement, Freund said: “Football is a humbling game and I have proven not to be the individual to move this club forward towards promotion, despite investing heavily in our roster and caring mightily about wins and losses.

“On this front, with my deepest sincerity, I feel I have failed the supporters and for that I will forever be filled with a great deal of regret.

“Therefore, effective immediately, I have decided to look for new investors to join the club and I will make plans to step aside to allow a new individual or group to take the Daggers and the club’s amazing legacy forward.

“With new leadership, focus and commitment, I hope that the team can once again return to the Football League – where it belongs – and continue to thrive well into the future.”

Freund, a minority shareholder in Major League Baseball franchise New York Yankees, and his consortium effectively rescued Dagenham, who didn’t have a game yesterday, after their previous owner pulled his financial backing.

He is proud of the improvements made to the Chigwell Construction Stadium under his stewardship, along with building relationships within the community.

“Our ownership group has stewarded Dagenham & Redbridge for almost six years, and we believe we have accomplished a great deal,” he added.

“We have given back within the community in countless ways during our tenure, impacting individual lives, which will always remain our most proud accomplishment, especially during trying times having carried the club through a global pandemic both emotionally and financially.

“As an ownership group, I believe we can hold our head high that we have done things the right way off the pitch for the Daggers fans while having a great deal of fun along the way.”