Andy Carroll Endures 5-1 Defeat on Dagenham and Redbridge Non-League Debut

Andy Carroll made a surprising move to non-league football by joining Dagenham and Redbridge, a sixth-tier English club, where he also acquired a minority ownership stake. The 36-year-old former Liverpool, Newcastle, and England striker debuted in a preseason friendly against League Two side Crawley Town, but his team suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat. Carroll came off the bench after an hour with Dagenham trailing 2-1, and despite a warm reception from fans, he was overshadowed by a trialist who scored twice late in the game. Carroll expressed excitement about his new role on and off the pitch, emphasizing his commitment to the club and the proximity to his family in the south of England. His transfer to Dagenham follows two years playing in France and marks a fresh start in a much lower division than his previous top-flight career, which included a British transfer record move to Liverpool in 2011. The competitive season for Dagenham begins in August, with Carroll aiming to contribute both as a player and investor.