Fans react as Dagenham & Redbridge are taken over by investment consortium Happy Fan Group Ltd

Fans react as Dagenham & Redbridge are taken over by investment consortium Happy Fan Group Ltd, led by John Grabowski.

This comes following the ownership of Club Underdog, which oversaw the Daggers relegated to the sixth tier last season. The takeover has received all necessary approvals from the National League and FA.

Grabowski wants to build a strong, professional foundation through commitment, strategic investment, and a focus on success on and off the pitch.

Meanwhile, former player Anwar Uddin MBE, returns as Director and Non-Executive Chairman (pending final approvals).

Dagenham currently sit 9th in the National League South with 46 points from 32 games played, 6 points from the playoffs.

A new era begins in Dagenham. pic.twitter.com/N0ghVFcCM6

— Dagenham & Redbridge (@Dag_RedFC) February 16, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club is pleased to announce that shares in the club previously held by Club Underdog, Inc. have officially been acquired by Happy Fan Group, LLC, an investment group led by John Grabowski, who will remain operationally committed to the club, while marking the start of a new era. The takeover has been approved by the National League, the necessary approvals have been granted by the Football Association, and the definitive documentation has been completed.

The Happy Fan Group is committed to creating an environment which breeds success both on and off the pitch, underpinned by a core philosophy of collaboration, innovation, and tireless dedication.

Following the conclusion of this process, Josh Persell, CEO of Club Underdog, said, “Club Underdog has officially completed the sale of Dagenham & Redbridge to John and Happy Fan Group. We recognise that the past two seasons have been difficult for everyone involved, and we truly appreciate the fans for sticking by the club through these challenges. Finally, I want to share my sincere thanks to Steve Thompson for his unwavering support and dedicated service during this transition.”

Anwar Uddin Returns as Chairman

The Club has immediately fortified leadership with a familiar face to the Daggers faithful. Anwar Uddin, MBE, will rejoin the club as a Director and the Non-Executive Chairman, pending final procedural approvals.

Speaking of his appointment, Anwar Uddin said: “I am proud and delighted to become a Director and the Non-Executive Chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge FC. This club gave me unforgettable memories as a player, and that bond has never left me. It has been a challenging year for everyone associated with the club, but it has also opened the door to a new chapter. I’m excited about what’s to come and am committed to helping shape a positive and progressive future.”

The Strategic Path Forward

Grabowski and Uddin will begin with a strategic review of club operations to identify areas for improvement across performance, fan experience, and financial sustainability. The goal is to develop a platform on which we can introduce new partners and support the long-term success of the club.

John Grabowski said, “This is a humbling moment, and it is a privilege to accept this responsibility. This club and its fanbase have been through a lot this year. We understand that success requires commitment, strategic investment, and relentless energy. Our immediate focus is on establishing a strong, professional foundation for the future. Once this transition is complete, we can begin to build.”

Our Commitment to the Daggers Community

We recognise that any transition brings uncertainty, and Daggers fans know this better than most. We pledge to address this by fostering an environment of constructive communication. We also want to pledge a commitment to our volunteers, our staff, and our players. We are committed to providing the support necessary to ensure everyone, from the matchday volunteers to the first team, is supported in a manner that allows them to do their best work. Supporting all members of our community will help us to deliver the results the Daggers deserve.

The club will provide an update on the results of the strategic review and subsequent action plan in the coming weeks.

Parent of Dagenham player issues message to fans about worrying situation at the club

Dagenham & Redbridge chairman steps down, new consortium coming in with message to the fans

Marwan Serry withdraws from Dagenham ownership and terminates investment project

Dagenham & Redbridge in the Premier League?! | Marwan Serry’s ambitions explained

Fans react as Dagenham & Redbridge are taken over by investment consortium Happy Fan Group Ltd…

@SuzanneCollier: Time to put the fixtures back in my diary. See you at the end of the month! Xx

@DaggerOncea: Surely time to all pull together and give the new Owners a fair crack at it. Its going to be done differently I’m sure, maybe that will present new challenges but nothing a united Club cant take on

@10tommywright: Over the moon with @AnwarU01 in chairman role 😍 knows what it’s like to be a Dagger, was involved in all of my best memories as a fan. Hopefully the good times can make it back to Victoria Road #Daggers 🔴🔵

@Mikeydagger: @BrunelShipping as a proud club sponsor I am so pleased to see this finally over the line . I know Anwar is determined as anyone to build this club back up . The hard work begins immediately trust the process COYD

@hoebeeck: Great news for the club and very optimistic. Big fan of John Grobowaki and the ideas his already implemented at the club. Hopefully a new start for the Daggers

@JoelPage_11: Relief above all else that this draining saga is finally over. Certainly no quick fix here so good luck to John and Anwar, they’re gonna need it picking up the broken pieces Underdog have left. Unforgivable. Let’s hope one day Dagenham can feel like Dagenham again.

@9men: A low key start but you suspect there is more to follow in the coming days. Job one was to move on from Underdog. Would also think Grabowski knows exactly what needs to change having been in the club for a while, strategic review probably largely done.

@OnceADagger: Well this is an unexpected thing to wake up to. Glad underdog have been fucked off, glad Anny is back, Grabowski is a surprise. Not sure where the money is coming from but we’ll just have to wait and see. Can’t really say anything else really, they just better not be pricks.

@Northkoreadags: Couple of questions. 1. The names mentioned here, am I wrong in saying they were involved with the club previously? If so, what’s changed? 2. Will Thompson clear off too? He’s a big part of our downfall. I won’t be getting to excited just yet

@DiggerDagger20: Honest communication is all I require from John and Anwar. Will take some time to get trust back from fans after the way we’ve been treated the past year or so. Good luck to them. 🚂

@TheMemphisEra: Finally have an ownership update! Club underdog out the door, but it isn’t the Qatari ownership that we were told about in May? Happy that the deal is finally done, can move on to the future, would love to find out as to why the original deal fell through (unless this is Qatar)

@SnaresyLad: Thank fuck for that! Maybe I can start to come back and support my club!

@hornchurchammer: Matchday prices need seriously looking at.

@Dazzarogers: Step 1 of properly parting ways with Club Underdog. Strategic review will tell us a lot more. @AnwarU01 has been so frustrated during this change of ownership so he’ll be delighted to finally get to work. Onwards and upwards

@CaldwellCraigB: Hopefully this is a great step forward. A chairman with the Daggers DNA has to be a positive… coyd 🔴🔵⚔️

@notepaddy: Well, the news we’ve all been waiting for. I’m pleased to see that this sorry saga has come to an end, and I fully welcome the news that John Grabowski and Anwar Uddin are involved. It’s been a wild ride these past 10 years, let’s hope the next 10 aren’t as crazy. #Daggers

@NickMurphy1995: We have seen a lot of new eras start and end in the last decade. This needs to be one that sticks for the good of the club and the fans who have suffered enough.