KSI Becomes Minority Shareholder of Dagenham & Redbridge

YouTuber KSI has officially acquired a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge, expressing his ambition to elevate the sixth-tier club to the Premier League.

Key Highlights

• KSI aims to restore the club to its former glory.
• The Daggers are currently 13th in the National League South.
• Outgoing managing director Stephen Thompson will step down at the end of March.
• KSI joins former Premier League player Andy Carroll in investing in the club.

The announcement came on a Tuesday, with the club revealing that long-serving managing director Stephen Thompson would be stepping down from his role at the end of March 2026. The Daggers, who were relegated to National League South last season, currently sit in 13th place with 49 points.

“I’m thrilled to embark on this journey,” KSI stated. “It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride, but I’m determined to bring Dagenham & Redbridge back to its glory days. My dream is to see this club in the Premier League, and I believe it’s absolutely achievable.”

This partnership marks a significant step for the club, as KSI’s involvement is touted as the most substantial strategic partnership to date. The 32-year-old, whose birth name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, has amassed over 17 million subscribers on his YouTube channel and is known for his ventures as a musician and former boxer.

Dagenham & Redbridge was created in 1992 from the merger of two clubs, Dagenham and Redbridge Forest. They enjoyed a brief spell in League One during the 2009-10 season but were relegated the following year. The club fell out of the English Football League in 2015-16, culminating in their recent drop to National League South.

KSI’s investment comes alongside that of former England international Andy Carroll, who joined the Daggers in July. This collaborative effort follows the recent takeover by Happy Fan Group Ltd.

With Thompson stepping down after a remarkable 45-year tenure, he expressed his gratitude for the club and emphasized the right timing for new ownership to take charge. Thompson has been a significant figure in the club’s history, even receiving an MBE for his contributions.

“It’s been a privilege to be associated with this club for so long,” Thompson remarked. “I believe it’s the right time to step back and let the new ownership take the club forward. I wish them all the best in their endeavors.”

FAQs

• What is KSI‘s goal with Dagenham & Redbridge?
  KSI aims to bring the club to the Premier League and restore its former glory.
• Who is the outgoing managing director?
  Stephen Thompson is stepping down after 45 years with the club.
• What league are Dagenham & Redbridge currently in?
  The club is currently in the National League South.
• Who else has invested in the club?
  Former Premier League player Andy Carroll has also invested in Dagenham & Redbridge.

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