Andy Carroll signing showcases Qatar money power in National League South

Torquay United’s National League South rivals Dagenham & Redbridge have pulled off the highest-profile signing of the summer with a deal for ex-England, Newcastle United, Liverpool, West Ham United and Reading centre-forward Andy Carroll.

Rumours had been circulating that 36-year-old 6ft 4in tall Carroll was on his way back to English football after two years in France with Amiens and then fourth-tier Bordeaux (writes Dave Thomas).

But now it’s Dagenham who have beaten off competition from local rivals Chelmsford City, and others, to land Carroll as part of a Middle East-funded takeover at Victoria Road.

Read more on finances in National League South

The Daggers, relegated from the NL Premier last season, are being bought by a group of Qatari investors, with former club favourite Anwar Uddin MBE in a non-executive director role.

Carroll is reported to be a minority shareholder in the takeover, which is still subject to league ‘fit and proper’ checks.

Dagenham manager Lee Bradbury, who has former Bath City boss Jerry Gill as his assistant, plans to partner Carroll with ex-Gulls striker Josh Umerah and his other key signing, Ashley Hemmings.

Dagenham have paid an undisclosed fee for Hemmings, 34, who scored 33 goals for NL North Kidderminster Harriers last season.

Torquay fans will look forward to seeing Carroll & Co in action when Dagenham come to Plainmoor on Saturday, October 11.

But the news from the East End underlines the increasing competitiveness of the NL South ahead of the 2025-2026 season.