Dagenham boss McMahon switches focus to building foundations

Daggers are now into the final stretch of the season as they welcome Solihull Moors to Victoria Road on Saturday after being due to face Eastleigh last night (Tuesday).

The hopes of a successful season are behind them and the focus has very much switched to building on recent performances while developing the squad.

“I think, take out the Aldershot Town game, the performances levels have been high through March and April," said McMahon.

"In that period as well we’ve brought in Mo Sagaf, Saidou Khan, George Saunders, Will Wright, Liam Gordon and Mauro Vilhete has come in as well.

Will Wright of Dagenham & Redbridge (Image: ©TGS Phototgsphoto.co.uk+44 1376 553468)

“We’re looking at developing young players, Maz is a bit older, but we have one eye on next season and making sure these guys have enough minutes in their legs to show they can play and compete at this level.

“I believe they’ll add value to the squad on and off the pitch these young players. We want to give them the opportunity as well as the senior players.”

The boss has been heavily impressed with the versatile Mauro Vilhete who has added some much needed squad depth due to being able to play almost everywhere across the pitch.

The 27-year-old has played in midfield, left wing-back, right wing-back and more as an attacking midfielder already since joining the club.

“Maz has showed flashes, but I think (Saturday) was the most impact he has showed in terms of shots and crosses, and he got a lot in," added McMahon.

“He added a bit of extra quality to us. He was a real threat.”

McMahon has revealed he has one eye on next season and with that in mind you would imagine he is reviewing the current squad’s contracts.

A large part of the squad are out of contract in June with only a handful remaining in contract, reportedly including the likes of Elliot Justham, Paul McCallum, Joey Jones, George Saunders, Callum Reynolds, Elliott Johnson and a few others.