Influencer KSI has made it clear that he has no plans to take on a managerial role at Dagenham & Redbridge, despite his recent investment in the club. „No, I'll stick to Baller League!“ he stated when questioned about the possibility of stepping into the dugout.
The YouTuber, who is also a former professional boxer and music artist, recently acquired a minority stake in the London-based National League South team. His involvement has generated significant interest in the sixth-tier club, coinciding with striker Andy Carroll becoming a shareholder and taking on the role of caretaker manager in March.
KSI’s Vision for Dagenham & Redbridge
KSI, whose full name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, expressed his desire to leverage his social media expertise to enhance the club’s global profile. He aims to help Dagenham & Redbridge reach the Premier League, regardless of how long it may take, stating, „I want to do things my way and I was born and bred through social media.“ He emphasized his ambition to make the club known worldwide, saying, „I'm not focusing on just England, I'm focusing on the world. I want the world to know about the Daggers.“
KSI’s investment followed a takeover of the club by Happy Fan Group Ltd in February. His presence has already made an impact, as evidenced by a recent league match against Hampton & Richmond, which became the first National League game to be live-streamed on YouTube, attracting over 17 million followers on his channel.
Building a New Fanbase
According to KSI, his goal is to attract a different audience to Dagenham & Redbridge. He remarked, „We're bringing a completely different audience to Dagenham & Redbridge. And that has always been my goal.“ He is committed to gradually expanding the club’s fanbase and laying a solid foundation for future growth.
As of now, Dagenham & Redbridge sits 12th in the league standings with 63 points, with three matches left in the season. A draw for both Maidenhead United and Hemel Hempstead Town this weekend would eliminate the possibility of playoff contention.
Long-Term Aspirations
KSI envisions a long-term future for the club, inspired by the success of Wrexham under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Wrexham has successfully ascended from the National League to the Championship and is pursuing a record-extending fourth consecutive promotion.
He plans to document his journey with Dagenham & Redbridge through a new docuseries titled Race to the Top, which is set to premiere on his YouTube channel this summer. KSI believes that this series will foster a deeper connection between fans and the club, helping to engage a new generation of supporters.
„That's why I say that I'm going to be here for many, many, many, many, many years because this is a long-term goal for me and I know where I want it to go and yeah it's going take a while but it's exciting,“ KSI stated. „This is now my baby and I'm going to give it as much time and respect and focus as it needs.“
With a clear vision and commitment to the club, KSI aims to transform Dagenham & Redbridge into a recognized name in football, setting ambitious goals for its future.
