DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
Pre-season Match, Chigwell Construction Stadium, Saturday 22 July 2023, 3pm BST
West Ham United continue the 2023/24 pre-season schedule with a local trip to National League side Dagenham & Redbridge.
The Hammers will make the short journey to The Chigwell Construction Stadium to take on the Daggers on Saturday, as the returning international players look to begin their own preparations ahead of the new campaign.
Victoria Road has played host to West Ham on several occasions, with the Irons most recently facing our local neighbours in a mid-season fundraising match in March 2018; a game that saw the Irons run out 3-1 winners thanks to two goals from Michail Antonio and a Jordan Hugill strike.
West Ham United Women’s team, meanwhile, have made their home at The Chigwell Construction Stadium since 2020, and play their Barclays Women’s Super League fixtures at Victoria Road. The Academy of Football development team are also regular visitors to the ground, both for pre-season contests and for select cup competitions.
Saturday’s hosts enjoyed a productive 2022/23 season, finishing tenth in the National League. The Daggers are now managed by former forward Ben Strevens, who took over the role in February.
How to get there…
To get to The Chigwell Construction Stadium from east London or Essex, the easiest way is to take the A12 and turning off at Whalebone Lane. The postcode for the stadium is RM10 7XL.
Supporters are advised that there is no parking available at the ground itself.
If you are utilising train services, the nearest station is Dagenham East, which is situated on the District Line. From the station, turn left and the stadium is clearly signposted and less than a five minute walk.
However, planned industrial action on Saturday may affect your journey and it is advised your check your route before departure.
Where to stay…
Dagenham is only situated about 45 minutes from central London on the train, so you could opt to stay in the city if you are travelling a long distance to Monday’s game.
Alternatively, the area itself hosts many of the best-known affordable hotel brands.
What to do…
Just a stone’s throw away from The Chigwell Construction Stadium is Valence House, a museum which was voted as one of the 50 best free things to do in London.
The only surviving manor house in Dagenham dates back to Medieval times and is still partially surrounded by a moat, with galleries telling the story of Barking and Dagenham and its people throughout history. Valence House offers a year-round programme of events too, so there is plenty to keep everyone in the family entertained.
Elsewhere, Dagenham also plays host to two beautiful country parks in Mayesbrook Park and Eastbrookend Country Park. Both are home to local wildlife and contain hidden, magnificent beauty, including forest-like trail walks and stunning lakes.
Those looking for something a bit more adventurous might consider Bespoke Scuba Diving lessons, which are available at the Becontree Heath Leisure Centre. Tuition is available on both a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
What’s happened there before…
As mentioned above, the Hammers agreed to play Dagenham & Redbridge in a #SaveTheDaggers fundraising match in March 2018 as the club went through financial difficulties.
That evening saw David Moyes’ side edge a competitive friendly fixture in front of a 4,515-strong crowd at The Chigwell Construction Stadium, with Michail Antonio scoring a goal in each half.
Mason Bloomfield got Dagenham back into the contest on the hour mark before Jordan Hugill netted late on.
As local neighbours, the Daggers and Hammers have met several times in pre-season competition over the years. West Ham’s development team have frequently faced the National League side, drawing a hotly contest pre-season outing there 1-1 last season.
The two clubs have been linked over recent seasons also, with The Chigwell Construction Stadium playing host to West Ham United Women’s home matches since 2020.
