Dagenham & Redbridge defender Joe Widdowson pleased with new partnerships ahead of trip to Solihull Moors

Joe Widdowson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Daggers left-back says he is forging a good understanding with recent additions in attack and defence

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Fejiri Okenabirhie has impressed Dagenham & Redbridge team-mate Joe Widdowson since joining in the summer (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Fejiri Okenabirhie has impressed Dagenham & Redbridge team-mate Joe Widdowson since joining in the summer (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

There has been a lot of change for Joe Widdowson at Dagenham & Redbridge over the summer, with the left-back having to adjust to a host of new team-mates.

Just one of seven first-team players to survive a summer clear out, the 27-year-old has seen 13 new faces arrive at Victoria Road.

One of those summer signings to have hit the ground running is Fejiri Okenabirhie, with the pacy winger notching twice in his first eight games.

Operating mainly down the left flank, the ex-Harrow Borough man has developed a good understanding with Widdowson, who has been impressed with the start made by Okenabirhie.

The return of Scott Doe to Dagenham & Redbridge has pleased left-back Joe Widdowson (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) The return of Scott Doe to Dagenham & Redbridge has pleased left-back Joe Widdowson (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

“There’s been a lot of young players who have come in and started well,” said the former West Ham United trainee. “I’ve developed a good understanding with ‘Fey’, he likes to turn and put me in if I overlap and he’s got a good eye for goal as well. It’s been good playing with him.

“Jordan Maguire-Drew has also done really well and Corey Whitely has looked lively, so we’ve got good, exciting, young attacking options.”

Widdowson has also had to adapt to a new-look defence which has seen plenty of additions over the off-season.

Goalkeeper Elliot Justham and right-back Curtley Williams arrived from Luton Town, while the centre-back positions have been bolstered by the signings of Scott Doe, Craig Robson and Josh Staunton.

Even after conceding twice in a 2-0 loss at home to Boreham Wood on Saturday, Daggers still boast the joint-fourth best defensive record in the National League.

And Widdowson is pleased with how the defensive additions have settled into life at Victoria Road this season.

“Elliot has come in and done really well and it’s great having ‘Doey’ back,” he added.

“‘Doey’ has slotted straight back in, playing well, and Craig Robson alongside me has been really good.

“I get along really well with Craig and on the pitch we have a really good understanding.

“Curtley did well at right-back the first few games, but Josh has come in the last couple, so I think we have a good defensive unit.”

Something else Widdowson has had to get used to this season is a host of new grounds to play at, and Saturday’s trip to Damson Park to face Solihull Moors is no exception.

But for the left-back the aim is the same, despite the new venues.

“We’re playing the same game and once it begins, you forget where you are,” he added.

“We need to bounce back and try to get back to winning ways, which is the aim next week.”