DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE defender Scott Doe has set his sights on breaking into the first team next season after finally completing his move to Victoria Road from Blue Square Premier crisis-club Weymouth, writes MIKE SIMMONDS. The 20-year-old had to settle fo

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE defender Scott Doe has set his sights on breaking into the first team next season after finally completing his move to Victoria Road from Blue Square Premier crisis-club Weymouth, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The 20-year-old had to settle for a place on the bench as Daggers drew 1-1 at Chesterfield at the weekend, but is happy to bide his time in his new surroundings.

"I'm not expecting to come here and walk into the team, it's about getting to know the lads first," he said.

"If I can get an appearance that would be great, but I'm just glad to be involved now and I'm looking more towards next season.

"I think the manager has got a good mixture here, there are quite a few youngsters along with the likes of Mark Arber and Peter Gain, which is obviously why we are doing well."

It has been a drawn out move for Doe, who was a regular in the Weymouth side up until February, but left along with a number of other first-teamers after they weren't paid their wages.

The Football League prevented Doe signing permanent terms for Daggers, as it was outside of the transfer window, so he is now officially a Kettering player, but has moved to Victoria Road on loan until the end of the season.

"It has been the most complicated time for me," admitted Doe, who joined the Terras in July 2007, after completing his YTS with Swindon Town.

"The FA said I had special dispensation to go wherever because of what happened at Weymouth, but the Football League said no, it was out of the transfer window.

"So I've been registered as a Kettering player and I'm on an emergency loan to Dagenham, before I can sign for two years at the end of the season.

"What happened at Weymouth was a surprise as they were as good as gold in my time there.

"They haven't paid me for two months though and I've got to do things like pay the rent. Dagenham have helped me out as much as they can though and I'm very grateful for that."

Doe is now aiming to provide serious competition for the central defensive pairing of Mark Arber and Magnus Okuonghae, while the youngster can also fill in at right back if required.

"My preferred role is centre half, because I have a lot of pace and you can read the game better there," he said.

"I have played right back too, but with 'Anny'(Anwar Uddin) out injured, and Magnus and Mark playing a lot of games, the gaffer wanted cover, so got the deal done as quickly as possible."

Should Scott Doe get an appearance before the end of the season? Email: sport@ilfordrecorder.co.uk

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