Dagenham & Redbridge in a good place says Ben Strevens

Dagenham & Redbridge boss Ben Strevens feels they are in a good place ahead of their 2023-24 National League opener at Altrincham on Saturday.

Strevens has made seven new signings during the summer, bringing in Ryan Hill, Frank Vincent, Josh Rees, Tom Eastman, Jake Hessenthaler, Lewis Page and Charley Kendall.

And he has seen new club captain Elliot Justham, Sam Ling and Sydney Ibie extend their deals at Victoria Road as Daggers look to mount a promotion push this term.

“Coming into pre-season I wanted an environment where I felt the boys could get better. I really feel we’re in a good place with that,” Strevens told the club website after their 1-0 loss to Gillingham on Saturday.

“I wanted to build a hard-working togetherness and team spirit within them and I’m seeing it every day, in games.

“The endeavour they were showing when it wasn’t going right, they didn’t give up on it, it was just frustrating for them, frustrating for all of us watching it, but they didn’t give up.

“I’ve got to see that building into Altrincham.

“I really truthfully feel it’s building. I don’t comment on social media, I don’t get involved too much, but I do feel like there’s some positivity around the place, and I really want to harness that and keep it going.

“The only way that happens is if they see the boys showing what they want to see.”

Strevens was frustrated by the defeat against League Two Gills, but with only a midweek trip to Northwood left in pre-season, was pleased by the work done since returning from their summer break.

“I believe over the course of pre-season, barring probably the Hornchurch second half, for the most part all the other games everyone has seen it,” he added.

“It’s been tough, we’ve gone Wycombe, West Ham, Leyton Orient and now Gillingham.

“Leyton Orient won League Two last year and were brilliant, West Ham obviously a fantastic day for the football club, but I really believe Gillingham will be there or thereabouts.

“We’ve not taken it easy in the last weeks leading into the season, we’ve really gone full throttle at it.

“Positive Tuesday [at Northwood] leading into Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, ready to go to Altrincham and everything we’ve done is going to come down now to how we start the season.

“I just believe over the course of the season, whatever happens in the early part of the season, we’ve got a good group together and we’ve got to keep working and get better.

“We’ve got lots to work at but I’m seeing good signs all over the football club, which is really important for me.”

Daggers return to Victoria Road on Saturday week (August 12) for their first home fixture and could not have asked for a better one, as Southend United visit in the Essex derby.

“I said to the boys when we play again here in two weeks time, against Southend, this is going to be a completely different place,” he added.

“That atmosphere is going to be rocking, their fans are going to be here supporting them, because of everything that is going on for them, they’re going to bring lots of fans.

“But I want our fans here with us, really spurring the boys on and showing that togetherness.”