It’s not that surprising, but it is a bit of a reality check for Andy Carroll.
Caretaker roles often feel like auditions, but they don’t always translate into permanent jobs—especially at clubs trying to stabilise or push forward. Dagenham & Redbridge bringing in Lee Allinson suggests they wanted someone with a clearer, longer-term managerial track record rather than taking a gamble on a first-time boss who also wanted to play.
Carroll’s condition—only staying on as a player-manager—may have worked against him. That’s a tough sell these days. Modern football, even at non-league level, is pretty demanding tactically and organisationally, and clubs often prefer a dedicated manager rather than someone splitting focus between playing and coaching.
From Hemel Hempstead’s side, the frustration makes sense. Losing a manager late in the planning cycle can disrupt recruitment and pre-season prep. But for Allinson, a full-time step up—especially at a club now linked with someone like KSI—is a career opportunity that’s hard to turn down.
For Carroll, this doesn’t necessarily shut the door on management. If anything, it shows he’s interested—but he may need to take a more conventional route (coaching roles, lower-pressure jobs) before getting a permanent position.
If you’re a Dagenham fan, it’s a safer appointment. If you were hoping for a bit of chaos and personality with Carroll in charge, it’s definitely the less entertaining option.
