Ben Strevens’ tenure as Dagenham & Redbridge boss got underway with a game that saw encouraging signs, although he was denied a winning start - held by an 84th-minute Oldham equaliser. 

However, that game all but confirmed the position Daggers find themselves now, just outside the play-offs, far from breaking into the top seven.

The goings-on off the pitch were also seen as a sign of how the club is now looking towards next campaign - cutting their losses. This was seen in yet another departure this week, Dean Rance, who left for Scunthorpe - cancelling his contract at the club. 

I’ve never been a fan of Rance, although I respect his service to the club, and this can be seen as a step forward for the dynamics of that midfield. We can move on from the Rance/Robinson partnership in the middle of the park, which has perhaps limited this side over the past couple of seasons. 

The new approach from Strevens was seen immediately in the back four and moving Sam Ling into that midfield role, where I felt he played well. This may well be the set-up for the remainder of the season unless the new boss wants to experiment further before the summer. 

Returning to dealings off the pitch and on the topic of incomings, there were none as deadline day passed on Thursday. That was to the frustration of some considering the injuries we have and the sheer number of players in our squad dwindling. 

The goalkeeeper situation is another matter as Elliot Justham looks to be out until the end of the season, with no Ben Foster coming on board until the end of the season! Josh Strizovic did well in between the sticks on Saturday and it’s good for him to be given the opportunity he’s waited patiently for.

This fresh overall approach which Strevens remarked on of not panic buying, rather re-assessing in the summer, has pleased some including myself although it effectively brings this season to a close. 

It gives every player the opportunity to prove themselves heading into the new campaign with a fair few out-of-contract in the summer - a proper rebuild.

This week’s National League controversy concerns contracts as players protest against a change to terms and conditions once they are injured. Every National League captain has signed a letter in opposition and there awaits a response from the league and FA. Hopefully the players’ voices will be heard, as they state in their letter - ‘this is [their] livelihoods’. 

Meanwhile, the fixtures come thick and fast and there is a fair bit of travelling for the Daggers this week, first to Torquay and then up to Gateshead. At their destinations there will be bitter battles as both opponents are fighting for survival, desperate for points in front of a home crowd.

But Strevens is equally desperate to get his first win as Daggers boss, so he will go into these games expecting a performance worthy of victory from his players. So too will the fans and I applaud those travelling up and down the country this weekend, hopefully we get the performances your support deserves. 

Until next week, Come On You Daggers!