ANDY CARROLL was cheered with every touch on his Dagenham & Redbridge debut – but could not stop a Trialist B-inspired Crawley from running riot.
Former England striker Carroll, once the most expensive British player in history, came on just after the hour with his new club 2-1 down.
GettyAndy Carroll suffered a heavy defeat on his debut for Dagenham & Redbridge[/caption]
GettyThe ace saw his new side lose 5-1 to Crawley[/caption]
GettyCarroll came off the bench as ‘Trialist B’ ran riot for the opponents[/caption]
GettyThe former Premier League star saw every touch cheered by supporters[/caption]
GettyFans were delighted to see their new star signing as he signed items after the game[/caption]
GettyCarroll will be hoping for better days ahead with the Daggers[/caption]
The few hundred Daggers fans who turned up gave a ‘wahey’ every time the 36-year-old touched the ball.
But League Two Crawley made their superior collective quality pay against their sixth-tier opponents, with three goals – including a late double from a player known only as Trialist B – making it 5-1.
Ex-Newcastle and Liverpool striker Carroll had one half-chance with a header, but was always stretching and could not divert it on target.
Fan Peter, who has been supporting Daggers since the 70s as well as Arsenal, spoke to SunSport ahead of the game about the Euro 2012 forward’s shock signing.
He said “We can’t believe it. My mate told me that (Carroll) was signing and I really thought he was winding me up.
“He’ll love this club. He’s not bothered about money, it’s just football for him. I think this is going to bring the crowd back. I hope he’s got some mates to come down and play with him!”
Supporter Jake, who has been supporting Daggers for 25 years, added: “It makes everyone feel better again. As long as he scores a few goals, he’ll make himself well-liked around here!”
Carroll could only watch on himself from the bench for the first hour as Harry McKirdy and Harry Forster put Scott Lindsey’s EFL side 2-0 up.
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A cock-up from the Crawley keeper allowed Joe Haigh to tap into an empty net from 35 yards to make it 2-1 shortly after the break.
Carroll was then introduced and immediately put himself about, winning a header with his first touch and powerfully seeing off a defender to win a corner.
Ian WhittakerCarroll joined the Daggers following their Qatari takeover[/caption]
Ian WhittakerHe is also investing in the East London side[/caption]
PA:Empics SportCarroll previously played in the Premier League for Liverpool[/caption]
APHe also starred at Newcastle[/caption]
But his time struggled to conjure up any service for the big man and started to tire.
Crawley stepped it up as Reece Brown’s volley made it 3-1.
Carroll could only watch as Trialist B netted twice late on, in what felt like a world away from the glamour of the Premier League which he used to dominate.
The former £35million man shocked the world of football on Saturday by not only moving to Dagenham but also investing in the East London club too.
The Daggers confirmed a shock takeover by a Qatari investment group.
And it saw Carroll jump on board as he returned to England from France after a spell with fourth-tier Bordeaux.
Carroll said: “I’m really excited to get started with Dagenham. My kids thought I was signing for Chelsea — they’ll be in for a shock.
“It’s a fantastic location and close to my kids, they will be able to come and see me play.
“I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux but it’s time for me to get settled with my family. I’m hoping my kids will bring their friends to see me play.
Carroll is currently dating Lou Teasdale
instagram/andytcarrollThe pair stepped out in October last year[/caption]
instagram/andytcarrollLou is a make-up artist to top stars[/caption]
instagram/andytcarrollShe has followed Carroll to the UK[/caption]
“I didn’t want to finish playing football and I’m really excited to get involved in the leadership side and be a player.
“I’ve got experience in seeing how clubs are run, of all levels. I think I can add value.
“My first job is to go in as a player, I want to get them promoted. I was offered clubs with a lot more money, but I realised Dagenham was a project that I really wanted to get into.
“I want to help as many players and staff from my experience and background as possible.
“I was getting offers from clubs in France, Italy and Spain, but I wanted to come home.
“I could sign for a top club, but me and the managers might not see eye to eye, so I just want to be somewhere I’m going to be happy.”
Carroll has been joined in the UK by his partner Lou Teasdale, who is a make-up artist.
They announced their romance in October last year shortly after Carroll’s separation from ex-wife Billi Mucklow.
He has three kids with the former TOWIE star, as well as another two children from a previous relationship.
Carroll and Lou regularly stepped out together in sunny France.
But with heatwaves recently hitting the UK, it may still feel like he is living it large abroad.
Instagram/billimucklowCarroll used to be married to Billi Mucklow[/caption]
InstagramShe was a star on The Only Way Is Essex[/caption]
InstagramCarroll and Billi share three children together[/caption]
InstagramThe striker also has two more kids from a previous relationship[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
