Cowes-born manager Lee Bradbury has been dismissed by Dagenham & Redbridge, despite the Daggers winning his final game 3-2 away at Farnborough.
His departure follows a period of change at the Essex club, where new investment and rising expectations appear to have influenced the decision.
Bradbury leaves having overseen 41 matches, recording 16 wins during his time in charge.
He was appointed in June 2025 following the club’s relegation, with the task of rebuilding and stabilising the side. For a time, he appeared to be doing just that, earning praise for his professionalism and commitment during a difficult spell.
However, the landscape at Dagenham & Redbridge shifted quickly, with fresh investment bringing increased ambition and scrutiny.
Despite ending his tenure with a victory, Bradbury was relieved of his duties, underlining the fast-moving nature of management at non-league level.
Bradbury’s route into the professional game began on the Isle of Wight, where he played for Cowes Sports before earning his opportunity in the Football League, famously writing to all 92 clubs as a teenager in search of a trial.
He went on to enjoy a long playing career, making over 500 league appearances and becoming the Isle of Wight’s first £1million player following his move from Portsmouth to Manchester City in 1997.
Since retiring, he has built a solid reputation in non-league management, most notably with Havant & Waterlooville, where he guided the club to back-to-back promotions, as well as spells with Eastbourne Borough and Eastleigh.
His time at Dagenham & Redbridge may have ended abruptly, but his experience at this level is likely to ensure he remains a prominent figure in the game.
It’s a shame being they are still mid table.