Fans praise the latest managerial appointment made by recently relegated Dagenham & Redbridge, who prepare for the National League South.
Dagenham & Redbridge named Lee Bradbury as their new first team manager, who joins from Port Vale, where he was a First-Team Coach during their 2024/25 League Two promotion
The Board chose Bradbury for his proven success at this level and his ability to reconnect the club with the community.
He expressed excitement and pride in taking the role and will begin preparations immediately.
Previously, the club parted ways with former manager Lewis Young in January 2025, as relegation to the National League South prompted a need for a new direction.
The Board acknowledged the season’s shortcomings, apologised to fans, and committed to rebuilding the club’s community-focused identity and foundation for long-term success, urging supporters to unite for the future.
Leading us into 25/26 🫡
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Bradbury as the club’s First-Team Manager ✍️
— Dagenham & Redbridge (@Dag_RedFC) June 4, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Dagenham & Redbridge FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Bradbury as the club’s First-Team Manager.
Bradbury, 49, arrives at Victoria Road with a wealth of managerial experience and a strong track record across English Football. The former AFC Bournemouth, Eastleigh, and Havant & Waterlooville boss takes the reins ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 National League campaign, with preparations already underway for pre-season.
Lee spent the 2024/25 season as a First-Team Coach at Port Vale, who gained promotion from League Two.
The Board identified Bradbury as the ideal candidate to lead the Daggers into a new era, citing his experience of winning as a manager at this level and working in a number of promoted sides. Throughout the process, Lee displayed a meaningful understanding of what it takes to rebuild the connection between the club and the community.
From the Gaffer – Speaking after his appointment, Bradbury said:
“I am both proud and excited to become the manager of this excellent club and look forward to getting to work straight away. COYD”
Looking Ahead – Bradbury will begin work immediately, speaking with the squad and backroom staff. The club will also be providing updates on player retention and other preparations for the 2025/26 season in the coming weeks.
We ask all Daggers supporters to join us in giving Lee a warm welcome to East London.
Welcome to Dagenham & Redbridge, Lee Bradbury!
Dagenham & Redbridge FC said weeks back that they “reached an agreement with Manager Lewis Young to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
“Lewis took up the role as manager in January 2025, having been appointed first team coach in March 2023.
“Despite only one loss in the final 9 games of the season, it was not enough to prevent the club’s relegation to the National League South.
“It was therefore agreed by all parties that a new approach was needed to guide the club back to the National League.
“The club would like to wish Lewis its very best for the future.”
And on the 2024/25: “Relegation is a hard and sobering outcome. It is not where the club should be, and it’s not good enough.
“Let’s not dress it up; the season has fallen well short of expectations on and off the pitch. As a board and ownership group, we take responsibility for that and would sincerely apologise to our many loyal and respected supporters.
“There is no doubt the club needs change and that may not be comfortable in the short term. We have learnt difficult lessons and are more determined than ever to restore the community family club image, whilst re-laying the foundation for long-term success.
“Be assured, we are and will be engaging with those who have been part of our club for generations, and we are listening.
“Please give us the chance to get things right, unite the community and enjoy success in the future! We value your continued support.
“Let’s rebuild together.
“COYD, The Board of Directors”
We can confirm that First-Team Coach, Lee Bradbury, has left the club with our best wishes, to become Head Coach at National League South side @Dag_RedFC.
Thank you and good luck, Bradders! 🤍
More: https://t.co/nQlMuIxlgt#PVFC pic.twitter.com/az5fu6Gise
— Port Vale Football Club (@OfficialPVFC) June 4, 2025
PORT VALE STATEMENT:
We can confirm that First-Team Coach, Lee Bradbury, has left the club with our best wishes, to become Head Coach at National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge.
Bradbury was formally confirmed as part of Darren Moore’s coaching staff in March 2024, having previously managed AFC Bournemouth, Havant and Waterlooville, Eastbourne Borough and Eastleigh.
Moore said: “Lee has been a fantastic and valued member of the coaching staff here at Vale Park and someone who played a really important role in our promotion season.
“While we’re sad to see him go, he leaves with our complete blessing to take on a fantastic opportunity closer to home and his family, so we wish him nothing but the best.
“On behalf of myself, the players and the staff, we want to thank Lee for all his contributions during his time here.”
Look out for more over the coming days for a further update on first-team plans as we prepare for our 150th anniversary campaign.
As mentioned, fans praise the latest managerial appointment made by recently relegated Dagenham & Redbridge…
@loulangdown: Honesty see this as a great appointment. Lee builds teams with good spirit. Players will love working with him. He’s got all the tools to make D&R a power again in non league football, and beyond.
@harrym2008: Fair appointment from Dagenham, but good luck to him, considering he has to work with Stephen Thompson and Dan Hall
@LLcoolJames91: Happy with this appointment welcome to the mad house Lee Bradbury 👏🏻 #COYD⚔️
@OffTheLineBlog: Lee Bradbury in at #COYD. Recently at #PVFC as first-team coach in 2024-25; he was promoted to L1. Won the NLS before with Havant (in 2018-19) so has a knowledge of the league. Typically builds hard-working + physical sides able to play. I really like this appointment.
@Diggerthedog1: Good luck to him. Hopefully the board leave him alone to do a proper job.
@ben_yfd: We finally had a normal week of dags i cannot believe it! We’ve never been so back
@mwoot_17: Good appointment that from them
@beth_n15: Knows the league, has won it before, has some experience. The jury is out but I’m cautiously positive. (Or maybe I’m just glad we actually have a manager)
@NickMurphy1995: It’s not the most exciting appointment in the world but he understands the league, knows what it takes to get promoted from it, has bundles of experience and won promotion with Port Vale this season and should come with good contacts. Lots of reasons to be positive about it.
We back baby 👀 https://t.co/WarWT0ihnE pic.twitter.com/C6voFMxig7
— Ollie Doige (@Doigey93) June 4, 2025
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