DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE boss John Still has revealed some of the secrets behind his unerring ability to pluck rough diamonds from the depths of the non-league game and transform them into gems of the Football League.

His new-look Daggers are the surprise package in League Two this season, sitting second in the table when most predicted a campaign of struggle after so many summer departures from Victoria Road.

A trait of the Daggers’ manager throughout his time at the club has been his eye for players lower down the football ladder and those discarded by other clubs. And, like an alchemist, he is able to turn them into the envy of the rest of the league.

Over the summer Magnus Okuonghae, Ben Strevens, Danny Foster and Sam Saunders all exited, but each of them saw their stock rise considerably during their time at Dagenham.

Pundits predicted the Daggers would struggle this term as a result, but Still quietly added Josh Scott, Danny Green, Abu Ogogo, Will Antwi, Stuart Thurgood and Daniel Spiller, who have gelled seamlessly with the rest of the squad. So much so that the club currently sit just two points behind leaders Bournemouth, and look a good bet to go one better than last season’s finish, when they narrowly missed out on a play-off place.

Still is acutely aware of the club’s financial limitations, and he makes allowances accordingly during the transfer windows.

“We don’t have the resources of the other clubs in this league. We can’t afford to sign anyone, so I have to look at non-league players,” Still admitted.

“It’s all about hard work. There is no recipe for it. It helps if you have an eye for a player and I believe I have a good one.”

The 59-year-old has a trusted network of scouts who scour the country for talented youngsters that can make the grade.

“We have a fantastic network of scouts who only work for expenses, and over the years they often have come up trumps,” Still said. “The scouts are a lifeline when it comes to spotting raw talent. I know most of the ones that we have employed for many years. I have a strict vetting procedure when it comes to scouts.

“When we are signing players I make it quite clear to them that we can help their careers if they decide to come and join us. It’s not always about talent. I look for a certain attitude or drive that players have that can stand out.”

Still, who was named as August’s Coca Cola League Two manager of the month, believes ex-Barnet striker Marlon King to be the best capture he plundered from non-league football.

The former Peterborough and Barnet boss spotted King in Dulwich Hamlet’s reserves, and the former Bee is now at Premier League Wigan Athletic.

One that will surely rank amongst his finest discoveries is striker Paul Benson, who was plucked from Essex Intermediate side White Ensign, where he had scored 96 goals in two years.

Benson has repaid Still’s faith in him by banging in 17 goals last term, attracting the attention of Shrewsbury Town and Gillingham. He is the league’s top marksman this season with eight goals in as many appearances.

Still added: “I had a look at Paul Benson and I saw he could score goals. I didn’t realise he could score at the level he does now. When I signed him people thought I was mad, but I don’t worry about what they think or about proving them wrong. I’m just happy for Paul and what he’s managed to achieve.”

The Daggers, who saw off Lincoln City 1-0 at the weekend thanks to Benson’s latest strike, host Morecambe on Saturday, before a trip to London rivals Barnet on Tuesday evening.