FootyChatter.com

KSI owns a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge "No, I'll stick to Baller League! " That was the emphatic response from influencer KSI when asked if fans might see him in the dugout at Dagenham & Redbridge. The You Tuber, former professional boxer, music artist and all-round entrepreneur recently purchased a minority stake in the London-based National League South club. His arrival has brought a wave of attention to the sixth-tier side and has coincided with striker Andy Carroll becoming a shareholder, before taking over as caretaker manager in March. And KSI, who coaches a team in six-a-side indoor Baller League, says he has no intention of taking over from the former England striker on a permanent basis. Instead, the 32-year-old plans to use his influence to help grow the club's profile and following, and hopes to one day help them get to the Premier League, whether it takes "five, 10, 15 or 20 years". "I'd like to do my own journey. I want to do things my way and I was born and bred through social media, " he told BBC London Sport. "I feel like my expertise in social media will help Dagenham & Redbridge be a worldwide club. "I'm not focusing on just England, I'm focusing on the world. I want the world to know about the Daggers. " Carroll takes charge at Daggers after KSI arrival Why are celebrities buying stakes in football clubs? KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, and Carroll's investment announcements followed a takeover of the club by Happy Fan Group Ltd in February. Last month, Dagenham's league game with Hampton & Richmond became the first National League fixture to be live streamed on You Tube when it went out on his channel to an audience of more than 17m followers. "We're bringing a completely different audience to Dagenham & Redbridge. And that has always been my goal, " KSI added. "Bit by bit we're going to just build the fanbase, build the foundation and use that to elevate us. " The Daggers are 12th in the table with 63 points, with three games of the season remaining. A point for Maidenhead United and Hemel Hempstead Town this weekend would ensure the play-offs are out of reach. KSI has regularly been seen in the crowd at Dagenham & Redbridge's home games since becoming a stakeholder in the club But KSI has a long-term vision for the club, which he believes can emulate the success of Wrexham under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mc Elhenney. The Red Dragons have gone from the National League to the Championship and are chasing a record-extending fourth consecutive promotion. KSI said he had been inspired by Wrexham's climb up the pyramid and is charting his own experience through a docuseries similar to Welcome to Wrexham, titled Race to the Top, which is set to debut on his You Tube channel in the summer. He believes the insight from the series will mean fans care about the club on a "deeper level" and reach a new generation of Daggers 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, " he said. "This is now my baby and I'm going to give it as much time and respect and focus as it needs. " Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Premier League news conferences: Howe & Slot on futures; Guimaraes out Co-leader Mc Ilroy's golf does the talking after busy Masters build-up I feel complete support from owners and fans - Slot The final five candidates face their toughest interviews yet Paul Sinha on abandoning medicine for TV fame Preview the new drama from the creator of Baby Reindeer From Rocky to Jawbone: Why does cinema love boxing? The Wayne Rooney Show. Audio The Wayne Rooney Show Weekly sports quiz: How much does a javelin cost? What do you think is the most beautiful F1 car of all time? Sustainability v safety - Paris Marathon's water dilemma Maguire on his major lows and belief he is still one of world's best Grand National pinstickers' guide to runners Liverpool still alive - but their season now hangs by a thread Seve's dance to Tiger's triumph - the art of a great golf photo Why La Liga teams will play in retro shirts this weekend Raya? Neuer? Maignan? Who are world's best goalkeepers? Fury unlikely to be world champion again - Wardley Can you name every F1 constructors' champion? Why Liverpool ticket price protests matter to rival fans I felt really alone after World Cup win - Kildunne Why Honda engine is not the only issue with Aston Martin - F1 Q&A Ranking football's greatest one-club men Is the Championship heading for financial 'catastrophe'? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.