Thomas and I have added our own personal comments, if you would like to have your opinions on each player added, then send them to me.
TED HARDY (Manager)
In a long and distinguished career, Ted has earned a place amongst the
greatest semi professional managers of all time. He has guided Bishops
Stortford, Enfield and Dagenham(twice) to Amateur Cup Finals at Wembley.
He has won the Isthmian League Premier Division Championship with Enfield
on numerous occasions and Leytonstone/ Ilford in 1988/89. Ted took charge
of the club in April 1996 and took the club to Wembley in his first full
year back in charge at Victoria Road. He has decided to retire at the end
of the 1998/99 season.
Steve's comments: Ted is undoubtedly an experienced manager but does make some strange team selections at times. Well I don't understand them.
Tom's comments....Ted Hardy is a brilliant manager but he can make a few wrong decisions. I think he should give the substitutes a bit longer than 5 minutes on the pitch
End of Season notes: Now that Ted has left the club I feel that their is something missing from the atmosphere. Maybe it's the tormenting the Half-Way Line Posse give to him. I'm not sure
PAUL GOTHARD (Goalkeeper)
Paul signed for the club in December 1994 from Grays Athletic after
previously playing for Colchester United and Chelmsford City. He won an
England Semi-Professional cap against the League of Ireland in Dublin in
February 1997. He has also represented the Isthmian league and won the Man
of the Match honour in the 1997 FA Umbro Trophy Final at Wembley.
Represented and captained the Isthmian League against the FAXI at
Kingstonian and against the Combined Services at Met Police last season.
Missed only one of the 57 Dagenham & Redbridge first team matches last
season.
Steve's comments: Paul can be a great 'keeper on his day but does suffer from the occasional nightmare moment. He is good in the air and gets down quickly to the ball. His distribution could be improved.
Tom's comments....Paul is an excellent 'keeper and one of the best in non-league football, but he doesn't try to pass to anybody from the goal kick.
End of Season notes: Paul has made some important saves this season. Many of them within the FA Trophy 3rd Round replay on penalties.
DAVID CULVERHOUSE (Defender)
David signed for the club in September 1994 from Tottenham Hotspur having
played numerous games for them in the Football Combination. Impressed
during his first season at the club and had a trial at Oldham Athletic.
David was a member of the 1997 FA Umbro Trophy Final team. Made 24
appearances last season before having an operation on an ongoing injury.
Steve's comments: David is a player who likes to get forward. He looks most comfortable on the right of defence.
Tom's comments....A good, hard tackling, spirited player who is always trying to keep the morale up of the team. David isn't scared to get forward and his distribution of the ball is excellent.
End of Season notes: Has missed much of the season but I'm sure he'll be first choice for next season.
JASON BROOM (Midfielder)
Jason began his career with Eton Manor before joining the Club for a four
figure fee from Essex neighbours Billericay Town in 1991. He immediately
featured in the Isthmian League Championship winning team that year and
gained FA representative honours in 1993 and 1995. He was a member of last
seasons FA Umbro Trophy Final team. Jason's career has been dodged by
injuries and missed a majority of last season following an operation on a
recurring shoulder problem.
Steve's comments: When Jason is fit he is one of our most exciting players. Plays best on the left and likes to take players on.
Tom's comments....Jason has got to be one of my favourite players of all time. He has lightning quick reactions and his dribbling and crossing can't be ignored. He also likes to run at defenders.
End of Season notes: Has been captain for the last few games and looks to do well under pressure
STEVE CONNER (Defender)
Born Essex in 1964, Steve played for East Thurrock United, Tilbury and
Dartford before joining the club during the 1990 close season. Steve is
now the clubs record appearance holder and has several England
Semi-Professional caps to his name. He was a member of Redbridge Forests
Isthmian League Championship winning team in 1990/91. Captained the
Isthmian league side against the Combined Services at Hendon in February
1997. A member of the 1997 FA Umbro Trophy final team, he was made Club
Captain last season.
Steve's comments: Steve is a reliable defender who is best in the centre. He does like to get forward. He needs to control his temper at times.
Tom's comments....Steve is a very experienced player who never shows any nerves when taking on pacey strikers. He likes to get forward and has scored quite a few important goals.
End of Season notes: Another who has missed most of the season through injury so I haven't seen him play for nearly a year. Hopefully see him back playing next year.
DAVID PRATT (Midfielder)
Son of former Spurs hero, John. David arrived at the club at the start of
the 1996/97 season having been playing professionally in Norway. A former
West Ham apprentice, David has played at non league level for Leyton
Pennant. He made 50 first team appearances last season and scored 4 goals
against Heybridge Swifts in December.
Steve's comments: David has moments of greatness and this was borne out by the fact that he was last seasons winner of The Internet MOTM. When encouraged to take on player he shows his skill and pace but needs the confidence do it more often.
Tom's comments....David Pratt is a very fast winger who's favoured side is right but does move to the left when Jason Broom is absent.
End of Season notes: David has had a bit of a quiet season but has still worked hard in many games.
MATTHEW BIRD (Forward)
Matthew was released from Leyton Orient after serving an apprenticeship
and joined Dagenham & Redbridge during the 1996 close season. He
enjoyed a good run in the side last season and made 35 appearances,
scoring the Clubs first league goal at home to Carshalton Athletic.
Steve's comments: Matthew is not my favourite player, he's OK at times but does suffer from a lack of concentration.
Tom's comments....Matty isn't a very experienced player and it shows. All he needs is a little concentration.
End of Season notes: Has got better during the season but has not got as many games since Ted left.
PAUL COBB (Forward)
Paul has played for Leyton Orient, Enfield and had three spells with
Purfleet. It was Purfleet from whom he joined the Daggers during the 1997
close season for a five figure fee. He has finished the last three seasons
as one of the top Isthmian league goalscorers. represented the Isthmian
League against the FAXI at Kingstonain in December 1997. Scored the first
goal in the Essex Senior Cup triumph over Purfleet last term and finished
the season as the Clubs top League goalscorer.
Steve's comments: My Favourite player at the present time, he shows so much class and plays intelligent football. Looks around for other players and works hard. Doesn't head the ball that well and will not go in for a tackle in a 50-50 ball.
Tom's comments....Another of my favourite players with his dribbling and holding the ball up for players. If theres a way he can set up a team mate he will do it. Also very good off the ball.
End of Season notes: Paul has had a blinder of a season and has won the Internet Man of the Season by over 25 points which isn't bad going. Also the clubs top scorer with 27 goals in all competitions, So far!
BARTOLOME (Tolo) MAS (Defender/Midfielder)
Tolo is now in his second spell with the club after rejoining from
Billericay Town. He has also played for local rivals Barking. Tolo Snapped
a tendon in his foot in the match against Purfleet in August 1996 and
missed the majority of that season. He played in almost all positions last
season except goalkeeper and scored against Carshallton in January.
Steve's comments: Ahh, Tolo. Why this player doesn't start every game I will never know. He works hard and plays some good thoughtful football and has unquestionable commitment to the club.
Tom's comments....Another spirited player who is hard tackling and a good passer. Although his height doesn't help him always wins the headers. When brought on as substitute he should be given more time to get involved in the game.
End of Season notes: Tolo hasn't had as many starts as last season. But, with the new manager, maybe he'll get more chances.
GARY HOWARD (Midfielder)
Born in 1971, Gary began his career at Essex Senior League Great Wakering
Rovers moving to Brighton Hove Albion and Chelmsford City before returning
to Great Wakering Rovers. He moved to Billericay Town at the start of the
1994/95 season where he was made club captain. Joined Dagenham &
Redbridge in March 1997. Gary deputises as Club captain when Steve Conner
is missing.
Steve's comments: Not having the best of seasons this year (1998/99) and his confidence seems to be waning at the moment. Hopefully he will get back to the way he was playing last season.
Tom's comments....A good central
midfielder who hasn't had the best start to this season. At the moment I
can't see why he's playing and not Tolo Mas.
End of Season notes: Scrap what I said earlier in the season. He is the worst player I have ever seen. He isn't a good central midfielder and he hasn't had one good start all season. While Cobb will win the MOTS Award I am backing Howard to get the Wooden Spoon Award.
TIM COLE (Midfielder/Defender)
Tim started with Walthamstow Pennant but had to wait until September 1995
for his debut due to an injury. He was signed by Dagenham & Redbridge
in March 1997 from Leyton Pennant for a four figure fee after being
watched by many Football League scouts. Was named the Clubs player of the
season last year.
Steve's comments: I think Tim is our most improved player, intelligent and hard working. He plays well in the centre of defence but also in midfield where he distributes the ball very well.
Tom's comments....A brilliant defender who doesn't mind getting into midfield and knocking a few balls about.
End of Season notes: Tim is another player who has had a cracking season. Finished 7th in the MOTS Award
DANNY SHIPP (Forward)
Danny joined the Club from Northern Irish League side Coleraine last
season. He started his career at West Ham United and spent two periods on
loan at the Daggers before being transferred to Ireland in a 150,000 deal
in 1996. Within two minutes of his first appearance scored a 40 yard
stunner at Peterborough United in the FA Cup.
Steve's Comments: Ahhhh Danny, A good goalscorer who unlike Paul Cobb will challenge for a ball. I do have a problem with the way he won't pass and holds on to it for too long....but then you can't knock the amount he puts away.
Tom's comments....Danny is good at putting the ball away. Cobb will set him up for a goal but not vice-versa. Watch that next time you see him. He always shoots and always has a go at people (Pratt, Cobb). Not one of my favourite players.
End of Season notes: Has got better since I wrote these comments, maybe he read them. Scored 25 goals this season
LEE MATTHEWS (Defender)
Lee joined the Daggers for a four figure fee in January 1998 from near
neighbours Purfleet and made his debut away to Carshalton Athletic. He is
a former Southend United trainee who moved to Purfleet in July 1991 going
on to make over 250 appearances for the Club.
Steve's comments: A hard (not dirty) player who works very hard and has a certain degree of skill. He hasn't played this season and when he comes back from injury we can only hope he carries on where he left off.
Tom's comments....A tall hard tackling defender. Strong foot and good in the air. He takes long throw-ins which can reach as far as the goal posts.
End of Season notes: One of my favourite current players. Like how he stands up to strikers and also isn't afraid to get forward.
MARK JANNEY (Midfielder)
Mark was released by Tottenham Hotspur in September 1997 and joined the
Daggers. He made a great impression in the clubs reserves and made his
full debut in a County Cup tie. Mark has now broken into the first team on
a regular basis.
Steve's comments: A good runner with the ball who likes to take defenders on especially down the right of the field. Doesn't aways start matches which I find strange.
Tom's comments....A hard working little player who with his pace could be a big asset to the club. Another who should be starting every game.
End of Season notes: Another of several players who have had blinders this season. Has been starting regulary now for 2 months.
Mitchell Springett (Midfield)
Aged 34, Mitchell began his career with Cambridge United. He then had
spells with Halstead Town, Wivenhoe Town, Braintree Town, Chelmsford City,
and Bury Town. He played a major part in Heybridge Swifts promotion to the
Isthmiam Premier Division in 1996. Joined Dagenham & Redbridge during
the close season.
Steve's comments: Mitchell has good moments but needs to be more consistent.
Tom's comments....I think Mitchell has got to try to work with the players. He gets away with murder with referees and is quite dirty.
End of Season notes: Mitchell has now left the club and that echos my opinion..
Kirk Game (Defender)
Kirk is a former England Under 16 International defender who started his
career with Southend United before moving to Colchester in 1985 where he
made 29 League appearances. Then had a spell in the German Bundesliga with
Hombuch before returning to England with Chelmsford City. Before signing
for Heybridge in 1993 he played for Stambridge and Great Wakering. Kirk
signed for the Daggers during the close season.
Steve's comments: I like Kirk a lot. He covers a lot of the pitch but does it without drawing attention to himself. Not skilful as such but reliable.
Tom's comments....Kirk is brilliant in the air and is always there for a cross.
End of Season notes: Hasn't been consistent in the team but I don't know why. He is one of the best players I have seen by far.
Gary Blackford (Defender)
Info to follow...
Tom's End of Season notes: And still waitng