Dagenham & Redbridge captain Elliot Justham is already looking forward to the 2024-25 season, after the current National League campaign drew to an exciting close.

Daggers drew 3-3 with play-off hopefuls Aldershot Town, after both sides scored in stoppage time.

And although that left Ben Strevens' men down in 15th place, a statement from outgoing executive chairman Peter B. Freund confirmed an agreement has been made with 'a very strong and experienced group which already owns and operates football clubs in both the United States and Europe'.

"When it [news of the club being for sale] came out, I think people were a little bit scared," said Justham.

"But I had a good chat with the owners and the manager and they reassured me there's stuff happening and the main thing is the club is in safe hands going forward and I'm sure they'll back us all the way.

"If we can hang on to most of the boys and add a couple of quality additions I think we can be challenging a lot higher than we have done this year.

"I think people have seen glimpses of it this year but over a consistent period we haven't really done it.

"The main thing is we stayed up and we can enjoy the summer and rebuild. There's a big job to do and I'm sure the manager and staff will get it right."

Long-serving Justham was clear about where things had gone wrong for Daggers, who won only three of their first 15 matches.

"I think we started the season quite slowly," he added.

"And when it come to December time, safety was the main thing. I think we secured that, essentially away at Boreham Wood [March 29].

"Since January I think the performances have been really good. The collective as a group has been a lot better.

"The main thing is we've stayed up and we need to rebuild for next season and make sure we're in and around the play-offs hopefully."

Shots were seeking a closing-day win and help from Eastleigh, who hosted rivals Halifax, to climb into the play-off spots on Saturday.

But Inih Effiong fired the home side in front - against his former club - in the first half.

Cian Harries levelled from the penalty spot early in the second half, though, and Lorent Tolaj headed the visitors in front just past the hour mark.

Strevens was sent from the dugout by referee Aaron Jackson, before Ryan Hill fired Daggers back on terms and Dion Pereira put them 3-2 up in the 93rd minute.

But Josh Barrett had the last word with a superb free-kick in the seventh additional minute, although Daggers had late chances to claim victory.

"It didn't help, they knew Halifax were winning 3-0 so they didn't really care what was going on," said Justham.

"It was a bit of a crazy game but entertaing for the fans which hopefully brings them back next year. That's the main thing.

"There were some good finishes, I thought Inih did really well, it's nice to see him back, he has come back quick. And I thought Dion and the boys [Hill and Josh Rees] when they came on did well.

"But it was nice to see Shiloh {Remy], Conor [Lawless] and Harvey [Kedwell] start as well, the young boys have been waiting and training well, and I thought they did well as well."

Supporters were welcomed onto the pitch after the players had completed an end of season lap of honour to see the player of the year awards handed out.

Tom Eastman was named Dagger of the Year, ahead of Josh Rees and young West Ham United loanee Keenan Appiah-Forson, and Justham praised the trio.

"Tom has been fantastic in front of me," he said.

"He's been probably the best signing this club has made for a long, long time. He has been essential.

"Keenan has been fantastic, I'm not sure what is going on with him, but hopefully we can try and get him back, and Reesy has got 15-16 goals from midfield.

"They're fully deserved as winners and I'm proud of them."