Andy Carroll's Dagenham Debut Ends in Defeat as 'Trialist B' Steals the Show

Andy Carroll's much-anticipated debut for Dagenham & Redbridge ended in disappointment as his new side suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Crawley Town. The former England striker, who once held the title of the most expensive British player in history, came off the bench in the second half but was unable to turn the tide for the National League side.

Carroll, 36, was greeted with cheers from the few hundred Dagenham fans in attendance every time he touched the ball. However, it was Crawley's "Trialist B" who stole the spotlight, netting a late double to cap off a dominant performance for the League Two club. Carroll had one half-chance with a header but failed to direct it on target, as his team struggled to create meaningful opportunities.

Dagenham found themselves 2-0 down by the hour mark, thanks to goals from Harry McKirdy and Harry Forster. A goalkeeping error allowed Joe Haigh to pull one back for the hosts shortly after halftime, but Crawley quickly regained control. Reece Brown added a third before Trialist B sealed the victory with two late strikes.

Despite the defeat, Carroll's arrival has sparked excitement among Dagenham supporters. Long-time fan Peter, who has followed the club since the 1970s, expressed his disbelief at the signing, saying, "We can’t believe it. My mate told me, and I really thought he was winding me up. He’s not bothered about money; it’s just football for him. I think this is going to bring the crowd back."

Carroll, who recently returned to England after a stint with French club Bordeaux, also revealed his enthusiasm for the project at Dagenham. "I’m really excited to get started," he said. "My kids thought I was signing for Chelsea—they’ll be in for a shock. I’ve got experience in seeing how clubs are run, and I think I can add value."

The former Newcastle and Liverpool star has not only joined Dagenham as a player but has also invested in the club following its recent Qatari takeover. Carroll emphasized his desire to help the team secure promotion and contribute to its growth both on and off the pitch.

Carroll’s return to England has also seen him reunite with his partner, Lou Teasdale, a renowned make-up artist. The couple, who announced their relationship in October last year, have been spotted together frequently since Carroll’s move back to the UK.

While his debut may not have gone as planned, Carroll remains focused on the future. "I want to help as many players and staff from my experience and background as possible," he said. "I just want to be somewhere I’m going to be happy."