KSI warned about ‘the worst thing ever’ buying Dagenham & Redbridge | Football | Sport

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has warned KSI that owning a football club is the worst possible move, following the YouTube sensation’s recent purchase of a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge. The National League South team announced that long-standing managing director Stephen Thompson will resign from his position and board seat at the end of March.

The Daggers, who were relegated from the highest level of non-league football last season, currently sit 13th in the sixth-tier table with 49 points. KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, gained popularity on YouTube and boasts over 17m subscribers to his channel.

He diversified into music and boxing, squaring off against the likes of Logan Paul and Tommy Fury, and is presently a judge on Britain’s Got Talent alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. Hearn’s father, Barry, is well-versed in football club ownership, having owned Leyton Orient from 1995 to 2014.

Speaking to DAZN, Eddie Hearn said: “Owning a football club is the worst thing you could ever do. Dagenham – my dad was born in Dagenham. It’s not far from me either.

“Smart move. You’ve seen it with Wrexham and stuff like that. KSI has got a huge following and he can really drive value to that club and make a big difference.

“So, I like it. I’ll tell you what, the old Daggers, they’ll be on the old comeback trail. I might have to come back and buy Leyton Orient again.”

When questioned about any guidance for the YouTuber, Hearn remarked: “Good luck! Owning a football club is the worst thing you could ever do. Don’t get me wrong, the good times are incredible.

“But to find yourself at AGMs having rows with fans over the cost of a pie in the shop is a nightmare. So good luck KSI.”

In comments to the club’s official website following his stake acquisition, KSI declared: “I’m so excited to start this journey. It’s gonna be a rollercoaster for sure, but I hope to bring Dagenham and Redbridge back to the glory days.

“And once we reach that point, I want to go even further. Reaching the Premier League would be a dream. And I believe it is 100% doable.

“It will take a long time, so to the Daggers fans, please be patient. I want you to know that I am fully committed to making sure Dagenham and Redbridge is a team that everyone will know worldwide, and will be an exciting team to watch and support.”

The club described the 32-year-old’s participation as “its most significant strategic partnership to date.”