Daggers eager to keep survival squad together

10:21am Wednesday 14th May 2008

DAGENHAM and Redbridge will be looking to keep the rest of the squad together following the departure of Dave Rainford on Tuesday.

Rainford left the club after accepting a senior post at Barking Abbey School, opting to focus on his professional career as a teacher.

The club agreed to relase the midfielder from his contract.

Daggers assistant boss Terry Harris admitted the club were disappointed to see one of the team's "most instrumental" players exit the club, but was fully supportive of Rainford's decision.

"He's been a big player for us over the last two years and it's disappointing to see him go," said Harris.

"But we totally understand what he is doing and we wish him all the best.

"Dave isn't the sort to do things by halves, he does things properly, and if he couldn't give everything to both his job and the team he wouldn't."

The signs are better for the rest of the squad however, and Harris is confident he and manager John Still can keep the players together.

The pair are set to hold talks this week to set out the club's goals for the summer ahead of next season.

"Hopefully we can keep the squad that we have together," continued Harris.

"I'll talk to John (Still) this week and we'll assess the season we've had and discuss what we want to do with the team."

The club have already secured the full-time services of defender Mark Arber to bolster the squad, and more could be on the way.

But, after achieving their objective of avoiding relegation straight back to the Conference this season, the management team's first priority has been to employ the old addage: 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Around the site