Andy Carroll, 36, Signs with Sixth-Tier London Club and Takes Minor Share After Qatari Acquisition

Former Newcastle and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has joined non-league side Dagenham & Redbridge in a surprising move. The 36-year-old, who recently became a free agent after leaving Bordeaux, opted to return to England to be closer to his family.

During his time in France, Carroll made a positive impression, scoring 11 goals in 23 matches last season as Bordeaux finished fourth in National 2, France’s fourth tier. This was his second season in France after previously playing for Amiens in Ligue 2, where he netted four times in 35 appearances.

Bordeaux acknowledged his departure last month, citing his desire to reunite with his five children. The club praised him for his “generous personality” and “total commitment” during his tenure.

Carroll’s career began at Newcastle before transferring to Liverpool for £35 million in 2011. He also played for England nine times, scoring at Euro 2012. His subsequent clubs include West Ham, West Brom, Reading, and a return to Newcastle before moving to Amiens in September 2023.

Recently, he made a surprising move to Dagenham & Redbridge, a sixth-tier London club, just hours after they were acquired by a Qatari consortium. In addition to joining the team, Carroll has also taken a minority share in the club.