HE may just be here for a month, but the signing of left back Matt Lockwood from Colchester United on loan represents a great piece of business for Dagenham & Redbridge. The 33-year-old, who has been frozen out at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, bring

by MIKE SIMMONDS

HE may just be here for a month, but the signing of left back Matt Lockwood from Colchester United on loan represents a great piece of business for Dagenham & Redbridge.

The 33-year-old, who has been frozen out at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, brings a wealth of experience with him, as he has made over 400 Football League appearances.

After Scott Griffiths' sudden departure to Peterborough, it was imperative that Daggers brought in a player who could slot straight into the side and allow manager John Still time to hunt for a long-term replacement, and that is just what the boss did.

Thursday

"On Thursday night I got a phone call from (Colchester manager) Aidy Boothroyd saying he had talked to John Still and did I fancy a move," said Lockwood.

"I wasn't getting any first team action at Colchester so I bit his hand off.

"The way I play isn't what the gaffer is looking for and he's been honest with me from the start, so it's fair enough.

"When Colchester were choosing their manager, someone else might have come in and I might have been flavour of the month.

"It's obviously frustrating as being a footballer you want to play every week.

"I'm not one of those lads whose going to go and sulk about it, I just want to carry on doing what I do, work hard and just play some games here."

There are no immediate plans for Lockwood's future, although it's a possibility he may well extend his loan for a further month.

After that though, when the transfer window opens, it's anyone's guess as to how long the full back will be at Victoria Road.

Month

"It's a month to start with, to see how I do, and 'Stilly' will have a look and see if I've still got it," he smiled.

"I know I can still do a job, things might work out here but you never know.

"The lad at Colchester might get injured and I might be needed there, but at the moment, I'm looking forward to the month and will take it from there."

Lockwood gave an early indication that he can still easily cut it at League Two level, during his debut against Port Vale on Saturday.

Having spent most of his time in the division during his career with Leyton Orient, it won't hold any surprises to him.

He is no stranger to Victoria Road and the Daggers players either, having crossed swords with them during his 14 years to date as a professional.

"I've played John's team in the past and you know they are always going to be organised and hard-working," he said.

Older

"I know most of the older boys here, Mark Arber, 'Gainy', Tony Roberts and I've been playing against Mark and 'Gainy' for the past 10-15 years.

"I knew the young lads were going to be good too, because you're not going to be near the top of the league if you haven't got a good team."

The full back gave a solid display during Saturday's 1-1 draw in what was only his third appearance of the season.

Josh Scott netted late on to preserve Daggers unbeaten record at home, but Lockwood felt they could have taken all three points.

"I've been on the receiving end of a couple of performance like that before and we could have got a late winner but it wasn't to be," he said.

"It shows how well the lads are doing that they are disappointed with a draw.

"We could have gone top, but as long as they're top of league by May it doesn't matter, it's a marathon not a sprint!"

Lockwood also unfurled a couple of excellent corners, confirming his place as a fine set-piece taker, while one free kick flashed over late in the game.

Rusty

"I'm a bit rusty on free kicks, I haven't taken one for two years!" he laughed.

"I scored plenty of goals for Orient though and know I can score goals with the best of them.

"Hopefully, I'll get the chance to get on the scoresheet here."

Daggers travel to Huddersfield Town on Friday night for their FA Cup first round clash and Lockwood has been granted permission to play for his new side.

Although he is expecting a difficult encounter against the League One promotion hopefuls, he is confident the team can cause an upset.

"We'll go there and you never know what can happen," he said. "I know Dagenham have had cup runs in the past and Huddersfield are not unbeatable.

"It will be tough, there's no denying that, and at home they're strong as they thumped Orient.

"It should be good, the lads are hard-working and we're not going roll over for them."

If you would like to comment on this story, email: mike.simmonds@archant.co.uk

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