Interview Number 7

After a short break we're back with the interviews and as we've been slacking rather a lot, from Wednesday it'll be two interviews per blog.
The man answering the questions today is Paul O'Brien. Some of the info may be slightly out of date, as this was over a month ago.

A little bit about yourself

My name is Paul O'Brien, i am 27 and now live in Abbeywood, working in Woolwich. I play from time to time for the daggers supporters club - in amateur football i was a national champion at 5 a side and i've recently scored a perfect hat trick at a premiership ground. It was my wedding on 3rd June and have a young son. I grew up in Cranmer Gardens very near the ground and my first game was Redbridge vs Colchester (we won 2-0) on boxing day around 1991 or 92.

Favourite Daggers game from last season

I dont get to as many when im looking after my boy as he's a bit too young for games, and of all the ones i went to we other won or drew almost all of them! Probably one of the charlton league games, as i know many charlton fans who in the past have ridiculed my support of such a lower league club, then this season promised us a smashing both times but we took 4pts off them. I would say our home game was better as that prompted the biggest climbdown from the fans.

Least Favourite game from last season

I think MK Dons at home was the only loss i saw, and they nicked it in the last minute.

Standout performer last season

Romain Vincelot and Abu Agogo

Player realistically you’d like to sign & why ?

Realistically? I'd have to play with free transfers or loans for that and dont know the market well. After he tore us a new one at Oxford i wanted Yemi Odubade, and Darryl Clare always caught my eye but neither would be much use now. I'd like Lewis Montrose, looking at the frees right now .

Best away day last season & all time.

This season was Carlisle. It was a mate's birthday as well, we all went up, quite a few of us shirted-off throughout the game, then i found my hoody & shirt had been in a puddle the whole of the 2nd half so i had to walk through carlisle in a borrowed vest and dry my stuff on a pub radiator. Massive trip, long day, and a good win.

Shuffle your iPod, the first three tunes no cheating !

Like a feather - delinquent

So high (haji & emanuel mix) - Jay c

Another groove - Double 99 vs Another level

Best lookalike in the team

Probably Ben Strevens of the previous players, maybe if i shaved my hair i'd probably look a bit like Mark Arber. Them, or Abu Ogogo.

Early prediction for this season and why

It all depends who we retain. I'd like to see some of this season's fringe getting more of a chance, like Montgomery and Walsh. (this was done before Monty was released) Maybe mid table, pushing for playoffs with a good run.

Game you're most looking forward to this year and why

Any that i manage to get to. No preferences

What makes “a Dagger” to you

As a player - Hard working, out to prove a point to everyone about how good you are.

As a fan - being realistic about us and otherwise enjoying the ride.

Any last words ?

See you at the start of next season!

Thank you to Paul for another great interview, we'll be back on Wednesday with a double helping!

 

Interview Number Six.

This week it's the turn of Barry Pidgeon to take on the Daggers interview, remember if you think it's worth a flutter, email us !

A little bit about yourself

A daggers fan since the year we got promoted from the Ryman League, barley missed a home game since then.

Favourite Daggers game from this season

Beating Orient at home, good to take 4 points from 6 against them this year!

Least Favourite game from this season

 MK dons at home , personally was not a fan of the no segregation and ruined the atmosphere, and the result didnt help either!

Player realistically you’d like to sign & why ?

If Wimbledon dont get promoted Danny Kedwell, served his apprenticeship in the lower leagues and looks the perfect player to replace Paul Benson. (Technically it still counts!)

Best away day this season & all time.

 This Season - Away to Charlton scoring in the last min for a draw, amazing, All time - Grays in the quarter final of the FA trophy a few years back when we took over 1500 away, we drew  and lost the replay.

Best lookalike in the team

 Not so much a lookalike but Robbo can do a good Tom Jones impression

Early prediction for next season and why

 Mid table next season and playoffs the year after, give our young players a year to get up to speed

Game you're most looking forward to next year and why

 Southend away - the new Essex derby!

What makes “a Dagger” to you

 A player who will will never leave the pitch thinking he has not given his all

Any last words ?

 We will be back

Thanks to Barry for taking part in the sixth installment, remember if you want to take part, just email us at daggersfbpage@hotmail.co.uk Then we'll send you the questions and if you could include a picture of yourself so we can identify you, that would help!

Interview Number Five.

After a break of 2 weeks with various other projects the Daggers interview is back. This week it's the turn of Michael Everest to tackle the questions.

A little bit about yourself

My Name is Michael Everest, I'm 25 bouncing between jobs like a lot of people are at the moment, I've got a daughter who keeps telling me she wants to come to matches, but then chickens out on the day ;) all of my family spread out from Becontree Avenue so we're Dagenham through and through, although im now living in stepney and TFL keeps screwing me over trying to get to saturday matches. - I also worked as a Steward for a part of last season.

Favourite Daggers game from this season

Swindon home - First home match of the season I saw that we took all 3 points from, and after a few other disappointing results it was a brilliant day and a hard fought win

Least Favourite game from this season

MK Dons home. that last minute bobbling goal, heartbreaking on the day. still a kicker now.

Standout performer this season

Three way Tie for me - Vincelot obviously, Robbo because hes a legend - and didnt deserve that final game, and Jon Nurse, who for all of our concerns about strikers was the one who really stepped up for me this season.

Player realistically you’d like to sign & why ?

Theres already been a lot of talk on the forums but asides from getting Benno back, I would like to see us bring in Scott McGleish if possible, he'd be a great striking coach for the rest of the squad, and as well all know, thats something we've kinda lacked this season

Best away day this season & all time.

This season I really enjoyed going to charlton it was great going  to the valley just to sing "SAME LEAGUE AS DAGENHAM!" at anyone nearby ;) and all time - since it wasnt at home, Wembley of course

Shuffle your iPod, the first three tunes no cheating !

Black Curtains - Megadeth                                              
Ash and Debris - Paradise lost

The house that jack built - Metallica

Best lookalike in the team

god knows :) Probably the other Dagenham goalkeeping legend of Dave Hogan :)

Early prediction for next season and why

Difficult to call, if we keep most of the team together i can see us making a push for the playoffs if theres a lot of changes id happily settle for mid-table

Game you're most looking forward to next year and why

Crawley, same reason as everyone else. and if I have to pick someone else I'd say Barnet. Because its always fun beating Barnet.

What makes “a Dagger” to you

Someone who knows that the team is never gonna be a Chelsea or Man City, we're a little club on a shoestring budget who've always punched above our weight. those who know and love the club because we are the ultimate underdogs but we've never given up hope and never stopped dreaming, that's the Daggers spirit.

Any last words ?

If Robbo is reading this, all of us want to see you come back for one last season, dont let Peterborough get you down - we all want to see you back between those posts again :)

Thanks to Michael for another sterling Interview and we may be back on Wednesday or Sunday depending on when we can fit another one in. Remember, if you want a go at taking on the questions then email us at daggersfbpage@hotmail.co.uk

Interview Number Four.

It's back, yet another interview a week after the last, we couldn't have one on Wednesday as we were busy doing other blogs. Anyway, this week it's the turn of Billy Cove, take it away !

A little about yourself

I'm Billy Cove, 17 years old, been a Dagenham supporter for 6 years, love the club more than life itself. Follow them home and away, also been known to like a drink and be a bit over confident at times.


Favourite Dagenham game from this season
Carlisle 0-2 Daggers - Great feeling travelling all that way to take the 3 points.

Least Favourite Game of the season
Daggers 0-1 Plymouth - The day it was always going to be against us to stay up.

Standout performer this season
Mark Arber - led the team from start to finish. Captain Fantastic.

Surprise Package
Jon Nurse - didn't expect him to bag as many goals as he did, going to be a big player next season.

Best Away day this season & all time
Swindon away was pretty epic this year, too much banter with the journey. Of all time has to be Darlo Away when we reached the play offs, was just a whole day of non stop banter - one of the best days of my life.

Shuffle your ipod, the first three tunes no cheating
Rocking All Over the World by Status Quo

Starry Eyed by Ellie Goulding 

Busy by Olly Murs

Best lookalike in the team
Mark Arber - Ricky Ponting

Early prediction for next season
Keep hold of Greenie and bring in McGleish and we'll be champions.

Game you're most looking forward to and why
Barnet Away, the stewards, their uneducated fans and the banter with these fans is just amazing and we always lose so that adds to the occasion.

What makes 'a Dagger' to you?
Being a Dagger is having pride in the shirt and never knowing when your beaten. Being a Dagger means you will always be the underdog and will always come out fighting. Being a Dagger means you love the club from the moment you arrive.

Any Last words?
All those who enjoyed last season need to keep going, just because we're back in the basement doesn't mean we'll stay there, this is who we are and this what we do. We are Dagenham, say we are Dagenham !

Thanks Billy and we'll be back with another enthralling interview on either Wednesday or Sunday depending on how we feel demand is !

If you do want to take part in the interview, the email us on daggersfbpage@hotmail.co.uk

Also if you have any questions that you feel could be added, feel free to drop us a comment below.

Interview Number Three

This Sunday it's the turn of Nick Curtis to take on best & only Daggers fan interview blog on the net! Please note that a couple of questions are missing this week, simply because there was no answer to them.

A little bit about yourself 

Outdoor instructor at Essex Outdoors.

Favourite Daggers game from this season

 Sheffield Wednesday Away ( First game ever in League 1 ) – Can’t be beat.

Least Favourite game from this season

 Plymouth at Home. Disappointing game which may have kept us up!

Standout performer this season

 Tony Roberts – Mr Consistent.

Surprise package

Romain Vincelot 

Best away day this season & all time.

 Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough away. The first because it was our first ever game in league 1, and the second because the Daggers took over 1,000 fans to our last game and created probably the best atmosphere I’ve ever seen from the club.

Early prediction for next season and why

 Mid-table with the potential for play-offs. Smallest team in the league structure. But I feel we lack that depth to push for the title.

Game you're most looking forward to next year and why

 The First. Always the best. After a couple of months without league football I feel naked.

What makes “a Dagger” to you

Loyal local supporters following the team no matter what. Emphasised by the support at Peterborough. Over 1,000 supporters singing half hour after the game and thoroughly enjoying the occasion.

Any last words ?

Hopefully we can hold onto Vincelot, Green, Arber, Doe. Hopefully Tomlin will be given the opportunity along with Danny J Green. If Roberts retires, Lewington to be given the gloves, and let’s splash a touch of some cash and get a decent striker into complement Tomlin. This was our weak spot this season. Numerous chances created, but hardly ever taken.

Thanks to Nick for taking part and we'll be back on Wednesday for yet another blockbusting interview!

Interview Number Two

For the first Wednesday edition we have Daggers fan Darren Attew taking on our gruelling interview, well this is gruelling as it gets!

A little bit about yourself

Early 40's, used to live and work in London, but now living in Port Talbot. Started supporting Redbridge Forest in 1989 and followed the transition through to the present day. Being so far away, I try to get to as many home matches as I can and the more "local" away matches. Lucky next year with Hereford, Swindon, Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham not far away. Look out for my Welsh Daggers flag (as seen at Wembley thanks to Robbo!!).


Favourite game from this season ?
Beating Charlton 2-1 just made me realise how far we have come in such a short space of time (and how far Charlton have dropped!!)

Least favourite game from this season?

Losing 1-0 at home to Plymouth as I think we really needed to win our last 2 home games to be safe.

Game you're looking forward to most next season

Crawley at home, enough said!! Also look forward to Hereford away as it's my closest fixture!!

Standout Performer This Season

Has to be Romain Vincelot. Goals from midfield and I think we will be very lucky to keep him next season. If he goes, good luck to him, as long as we receive a good fee.

Player realistically you'd like to sign and why?



George Porter

 I really like JS's system of unearthing non-league players and seeing them blossom in our team. If I had a choice of a league player to sign, I would have signed Guillem Bauza who was on a free from Northampton but has since signed for Exeter. I saw a lot of him at Swansea and he would have been a great asset in League 2. I would be tempted to sign George Porter of Orient, an 18 year old signed from Cray Wanderers, who has been on loan all season back in non-league. He would be ideal especially if Greeny leaves. I would like to see Medy Elito back on a free, and also a fired-up Sol Taiwo if he is released. What about a return for Benno as well?!



Lee Goodwin &
Junior McDougal
celebrate at the Valley

Best away day of this season and all time.

Yeovil away was a great victory and of all time, and not including Wembley, it still has to be Charlton in the FA Cup. What a day.

Best lookalike in the team?

Due to my age, it has to be Robbo or Darren Currie!!

Early prediction for next season and why?

I would be happy enough with a top ten finish, anything higher than that would again be a fantastic achievement. If we keep Greeny and Romain, or lose only one of them, add Josh Scott back to the team and recall Tomlin, who has done well at Torquay, I would fancy us to do well.



Francis Dunnery

 Shuffle your iPod, first three songs, no cheating!!



 Showing my age now!:

Hometown by Francis Dunnery,

Vampires by It Bites

Calling to You by Robert Plant.

What makes "a Dagger" to you?

Being part of a tremendous club, where you are always welcome, where the club and fans fight against the odds to achieve so much. The fact that the players that leave always either come back or have nothing but good words about the Daggers speaks volumes.

Any last words ?

Thanks for John and the boys on another fantastic season. We came so close to defying the odds when we were written off being a ball had been kicked. Supporting the Daggers has been a amazing experience, so many highs and so few lows. Long may that continue.

Thanks to Darren for taking part and we'll be back on Sunday for another interview. Remember if you wish to take part email, daggersfbpage@hotmail.co.uk and we'll send you the questions. At the moment we have 5 weeks worth of material, but this feature will go on so long as we have willing participants!

Interview Number One

This is a little thing we'll have going over the summer, a short and snappy interview with a bunch of Daggers fans. This is much like Anthony Hodgson's old feature that was a hit with all of us, and some of the questions are derived from that, but I hope it will have a fresher feel to it.

First up is Jack Connor.                 

A little bit about yourself 

I'm 17 (almost 18), currently studying A-Levels hoping to go Hertfordshire Universty to study Sports Therapy. Born dagenhamite now living in hornchurch, Too young to remember my first daggers game exactly but it was around 1997/98? All I know is we didn’t win! From then on I caught the bug and my first season ticket was 1999/00 season when we stormed the Ryman premier and had season ticket every year since. Famous at Victoria Road for being one half of the Daggers Drummers

Favourite Daggers game from this season

It would have been Wednesday away but that was topped by taking a point at the valley! To get something there in the league was something special.

Least Favourite from this season
Peterborough, sobbed like a baby, say no more

Standout performer from this season
Vincelot! Came into his own this season, first Frenchman I’ve ever had a soft spot for! Him and Robbo are the reason we took it to the last game.

Best away day of this season & all time
Already done this seasons, but all time has to be Oxford away 2007, the day we unofficially won the conference, although it wasn’t sorted, we knew it, Oxford knew it, and the whole league knew it!

Shuffle your iPod, the first three tunes, no cheating !

Anything can happen in the next half hour – Enter Shikari   
Hold your colour – Pendulum
If it means a lot to you – A Day To remember

Best lookalike in the team ?
Me and Jon Nurse, separated at birth!

Early prediction for next season
Although I’d like to be competitive, I think we’ll be around mid table, I can’t see us being the worst 2 teams in the league.

Game you’re most looking forward to next year
Crawley, need I explain?                                   

What makes “a Dagger” to you?
Anybody that is willing to die for the cause, and have time for the fans, no Billy big boots here.

Any last words?
Relegation will separate the true fans from the glory boys, even if I end up in university I’ll be supporting the boys week in week out in spirit, so let’s all stick together because the club needs us more than ever and I have never been prouder to be a dagger! Here’s to league 2 champions 2011/12!
Thanks to Jack for taking part and we'll be back on Wednesday for another interview !

Anyone wishing to take part, email daggersfbpage@hotmail.co.uk

And a video clip to leave you all on? The Daggers fans at the Valley !