AFTER the struggles of last season, where they propped up the nPower League Two table for long periods, the Daggers will be confident of a more successful campaign this time.
Having released experienced players in the form of captain Mark Arber, Jon Nurse, Peter Gain and Damien McCrory - all of whom played a big part in the clubs play-off triumph at Wembley in 2010 - manager John Still is looking to rebuild his squad.
Although having one of smallest budgets in the league, Still has secured the signing of former Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte on a 2 year deal. The 22 year old right back, who has enjoyed loan spells with AFC Wimbledon, Lincoln City, Watford and Brighton and Hove Albion, is the brother of Middlesbrough full back Justin Hoyte - who also began is career at Arsenal - and looks to be great addition to the squad.
Meanwhile, several of the younger members of the squad have been offered extended contracts. Promising midfielder Billy Bingham has signed a new 3 year deal and Still has great faith in the 21 year old, who made 30 appearances last season, scoring twice.
"Although he has been here a while he has suffered with injuries, but has returned to pre-season looking fit and sharp, so we are hoping he can really push on," Still said.
Another youngster tied in to a long-term deal is striker Dwight Gayle. Signed last summer, Gayle was sent straight out on loan to Bishops Stortford, where he scored 42 goals in all competitions for the Blue Square North side.
"He got a good year's experience at Bishops Stortford," said Still. "I am hoping he can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Paul Benson, Tresor Kandol, Ben Strevens and be a fantastic forward for us. He has all the attributes."
Abu Ogogo is another to be offered a new contract while also being named as club captain, while striker Brian Woodall, who had a great season, has been rewarded with a new 3 year deal.
Another striker, Sam Williams, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, will be expected to play a major role this time, and his partnership with Josh Scott up front will be vital to the success of the team.
Scott himself has suffered terrible injury problems over the last couple of years - missing virtually the whole of the 2010-11 season - but he is back now and ready for the challenges ahead.
In midfield Matt Saunders, who was signed on a free transfer in February, has also had his fair share of injuries, but everyone at the club has high hopes for him after impressing in the few appearances he was able to make last season.
Expectations for the Essex club are usually low, but I think they could cause a surprise or two this season. If the young players - like Woodall and left back Femi Ilesanmi - continue to develop as they have been, and the team recaptures the form it showed at the end of the last campaign, I can see them challenging for a place in the play-offs.
Still came in for some unnecessary stick from the fans last season but he proved once again to be the right man for the job. Let's hope the club can be rewarded for the loyalty they showed him with another trip to Wembley in May.
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