Lee Allinson joins Dagenham & Redbridge as Hemel Hempstead Town reappoint Lee Bircham

Lee Allinson has left Hemel Hempstead Town to become Dagenham & Redbridge’s new manager, with the Tudors announcing the return of Lee Bircham as his successor.

The Daggers have brought in Allinson, identifying him as the man to lead a new era at Victoria Road after his impressive work at Step 2.

Andy Carroll had taken interim charge following Lee Bradbury’s departure in March, guiding the club to a 13th-place finish.

Allinson now steps up after building a strong reputation at National League South rivals Hemel, where he led the part-time side to the play-offs this season before a penalty shootout defeat to Weston-super-Mare last week.

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Extremely disappointed

The Tudors broke the news on Sunday, confirming Allinson’s departure with immediate effect and admitting their frustration with the move.

“We had agreed with Lee and his management team that they would have remained in place for 2026/27 to continue the work carried out over the past 18 months and planning had already been put in place for pre-season and beyond,” the club said.

“We are extremely disappointed with the timing of his decision.

“However, once Lee had indicated that he wished to pursue the opportunity within a full time role it was clear that we needed to move forward quickly in order to shape our playing group for next season.

“The board would like to put on record its thanks to Lee and the management team for their hard work over the past 18 months, and we wish him well as he departs for a new venture.”

Proud

In his first words as Daggers boss, Allinson said: “I am incredibly proud to be joining a club with the stature and history of Dagenham & Redbridge.

“From my first conversations with the leadership group, I saw a shared ambition to move this club forward.

“This is a massive opportunity, and I can’t wait to get to work. I want to build a team that reflects the grit and passion of this community, a team that is hard to beat and exciting to watch.”

Non-executive chairman Anwar Uddin added: “We are thrilled to welcome Lee to the club.

“His recent work has been impossible to ignore; what he achieved at Hemel Hempstead Town demonstrated exactly the kind of tactical acumen and leadership we need.

“To take a part-time side into the playoffs in such a competitive division is a testament to his elite mentality.

“We are entering a pivotal chapter for the Daggers, and we believe Lee is the right man to lead the charge.”

The club added that they had hoped to announce the arrival of the former Hendon and Biggleswade Town manager themselves.

Proven track record

It did not take long, however, for Hemel to name his replacement.

Bircham returns after a successful spell with Bedford Town, guiding the Eagles from Step 4 to Step 2 after winning the Southern League Premier Central title last season against bigger-budgeted rivals.

He then secured their National League North status this term against the odds.

The 49-year-old had announced last month that he would step down at the end of the season, admitting he had “not enjoyed a minute” and that, given the club’s resources, it “couldn’t work for another year” – but he now makes an immediate return to the dugout.

No stranger to Hemel, Bircham previously managed the club during the 2020/21 campaign and arrives with a proven track record across non-league, including promotions with both Bedford and Leighton Town.

Whirlwind

Speaking after his appointment, Bircham said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back home.

“It’s been a total whirlwind this Bank Holiday Sunday, if I’m honest, but as soon as Dave called me, it was a no-brainer.

“It’s a challenge I couldn’t, and didn’t want to, turn down.

“I had a few potential offers that I was going to deal with next week, but obviously, being my hometown really matters.

“That is massive for me. It’s also a wonderful football club that I’ve always been incredibly proud to represent.

“I can’t wait to get to work. I’m really looking forward to sitting down with the players, getting to know them all, sharing the plans, and pushing on next season.

“Plus, really looking forward to working with Dave again.

“One thing is for sure, the holiday I promised my wife Nicola on Friday has now completely gone out the window!

“I’d like to say hats off to Lee for the work he’s done here last season, a brilliant job, and I’ll be giving absolutely everything to continue that.”

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