Former £35m Newcastle United favourite joins non-league club in bizarre move

Former £35m Newcastle United favourite joins non-league club in bizarre move

Former England forward Andy Carroll has made a surprise return to English football

Newcastle United favourite Andy Carroll (Image: Getty Images )

Newcastle United favourite Andy Carroll has been revealed as both a new signing and investor at semi-professional side Dagenham & Redbridge.

The 36-year-old, who had previously donned the jerseys of Newcastle, Liverpool, West Ham United and most recently played for Bordeaux in France's fourth tier, has decided to return to East London - an area familiar to him from his time with West Ham United.

‌

With nine international appearances and two goals to his name for England, Carroll's high-profile move to Liverpool from Newcastle for £35million in January 2011 stands out, although his tenure at Anfield, yielding 11 goals in 58 matches, didn't go as planned and eventually led him to West Ham.

‌

On joining Dagenham, Carroll shared: "I'm really excited to get started with Dagenham. My kids thought I was signing for Chelsea - they'll be in for a shock.

"It's a fantastic location and close to my kids, they will be able to come and see me play.

"I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux but it's time for me to get settled with my family.

Article continues below

"I'm hoping my kids will bring their friends to see me play."

Not ready to hang up his boots just yet, Carroll is keen on the dual role: "I didn't want to finish playing football and I'm really excited to get involved in the leadership side and be a player.

"I've got experience in seeing how clubs are run, of all levels. I think I can add value."

‌

Dagenham & Redbridge welcomed their new star with great fanfare on social media, declaring: "It's not every day that a club can announce a new investor, a new kit and a new star striker all in the same day, but this isn't just anyone. Andy Carroll is a Dagger!".

The announcement coincides with the Daggers confirming that an agreement has been reached to sell the club to a consortium, comprising prominent Qatari investors, which has acquired 100 per cent ownership.

Interim chairman Youseph Al Sharif is part of the consortium, alongside former Daggers captain Anwar Uddin, who commented: "I consider it an absolute privilege to return to the club after such a memorable spell as a player.

Article continues below

"I'm genuinely excited to reconnect with the fans and everyone associated with Dagenham and Redbridge, and to play a part in helping the club move firmly in the right direction."

Click here to read article