KSI reveals inspiration for buying Dagenham & Redbridge – and admits club have ‘long way to go’

KSI’s investment in Dagenham & Redbridge was over a decade in the making.

However, his plans to ‘make things happen’ at Victoria Road will take a while, the YouTuber has admitted.

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The 32-year-old purchased a minority stake in the Daggers last month as they look to climb back into the Football League.

Dagenham & Redbridge were relegated from the National League last season, returning to the sixth-tier for the first time in 25 years.

Currently managed by interim boss Andy Carroll, they sit 12th in the National League South with two matches remaining.

Although they cannot make the play-offs this season, KSI has high hopes he can make the fans happy in the future.

Why did KSI invest in Dag & Red?

The social media star joined talkSPORT Breakfast on Wednesday morning to discuss his investment in the club.

He has since been joined in Dagenham by former Queens Park Rangers owner Tony Fernandes.

The Malaysian businessman has bought a 40 per cent stake in the east London club.

Asked about his decision to invest in the Daggers, KSI explained: “I think there’s a lot of hidden potential at Dagenham & Redbridge, personally.

“I’ve been to the club several times now. I’ve even gone to away games and we have passionate fans.

“It’s just that we just need the results to make them happy and make things happen.

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“So, for me, it was the history. It was the idea that I could make an impact and I’ve always wanted a football club. I’ve always wanted one.

“Since my FIFA days when I was doing ‘Race to Division One’, I always thought it’d be cool to have my own football club, but I never thought I’d be in a position to be able to do it.

“Now I’m here, so we’ve got a long way to go.”

KSI has amassed 17.7million subscribers since launching his YouTube channel in 2009.

His career on the platform began with videos of himself playing video games, including the popular FIFA series.

Dagenham & Redbridge previously featured on their titles during their time in the Football League.

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The club spent nine years as an EFL side between 2007 and 2016, even spending a season in League One.

However, they are now destined for a second successive season in the National League South next term.

Carroll’s side host Weston-super-Mare in their final home match of the season on Saturday.

They then conclude the campaign away to Slough Town on Saturday, April 25.