Andy Carroll has started his Dagenham and Redbridge managerial career with a 1-0 victory over Torquay United on Saturday. Minority owner and YouTuber KSI was in the stands as the Daggers took three vital points, and Carroll, the former England striker, celebrated post-match with his family.
The "KSI era" at Dagenham & Redbridge has begun with a major clinical overhaul, as the National League South club confirmed the departure of manager Lee Bradbury. The decision comes just a fortnight after the high-profile YouTuber-turned-media personality was unveiled as a minority shareholder. In a sensational twist, former Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll has been handed the reins on an interim basis.
Dagenham & Redbridge are officially "daring to dream" following the high-profile arrival of YouTube sensation and entrepreneur KSI as a major shareholder. The social media icon, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, was unveiled as a key investor in the National League South side last week, marking a significant shift in the club's profile and ambitions as they look to climb back up the English football pyramid.
YouTube sensation KSI marked a surreal transition into football club ownership on Saturday as he watched Dagenham & Redbridge overcome National League South leaders Dorking Wanderers 1-0. In what served as a high-profile introduction to Victoria Road, the 32-year-old was spotted in the stands alongside a former England international striker.
KSI has, following his stunning move into football ownership, confirmed that Dagenham & Redbridge will be delivering a ‘Race To The Top’ documentary. Said production will initially be released on the social media star’s YouTube channel, allowing it to reach 17 million subscribers worldwide. The show will become a rival to the popular ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series overseen by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in North Wales.
Former England and Premier League star Andy Carroll is facing a court trial next year following accusations that he repeatedly contacted his ex-wife, Billi Mucklow. The veteran striker allegedly breached a non-molestation order last spring. After missing a recent hearing due to an administrative mix-up, a judge has now officially set his trial date for early 2027.
Barcelona are the most successful Copa del Rey side in history, winning the cup 31 times, seven more than Athletic Bilbao and 11 more than bitter rivals Real Madrid. Their first-ever Copa del Rey win came in the 1909-10 season. Since the start of the 2014-15 season, the Catalans have lifted this trophy six times.
How many teams are in the Copa del Rey?
Currently, as many as 126 teams participate in the Copa del Rey, starting at the top from La Liga and going all the way down to the Tercera Federacion, the fifth tier in Spanish football league system. In its inaugural edition in 1903, just three teams (Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol, and Madrid FC) took part.
Who has made the most Copa del Rey appearances ever?
Former Athletic Bilbao and Spain forward Piru Gainza is Copa del Rey's record-appearance maker ever, featuring in 99 games in the cup competition.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Copa del Rey?
Iconic Spanish forward Telmo Zarra is Copa del Rey's all-time top scorer, finding the back of the net on 81 occasions between 1939 and 1957. All those goals came in an Athletic Bilbao shirt.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Copa del Rey and how old was he?
CD Bunol goalkeeper Paco is the oldest player to ever feature in a Copa del Rey game, achieving the feat against Real Sociedad in 2023 at the age of 44 years and 231 days.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Copa del Rey and how old was he?
Armando Sagi is the youngest player to ever feature in a Copa del Rey game. Playing for Barcelona, Sagi was just 15 years and 339 days old when he made his debut in the competition on April 2, 1922.
Which famous players have played in the Copa del Rey?
Antoine Griezmann, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos, Neymar, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Telmo Zarra, Sergio Busquets, Roberto Carlos, Luis Suarez, and Xavi are some of the most famous players to have played in the Copa del Rey.
Which famous managers have managed in the Copa del Rey?
Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique, Juande Ramos, Claudio Ranieri, Louis van Gaal, Sir Bobby Robson, Cesar Menotti, Miguel Munoz, and Ferdinand Daucik are some of Copa del Rey's most famous mangers.