Ibie extends Daggers deal as Page joins ranks

Ibie joined from Northwood in December 2022 and has made significant progress since, thanking the club management and his teammates.

“A year ago, I was working part-time doing Amazon deliveries and playing in front of 200-ish people at step four but I always believed I’d get here eventually,” he told the club website.

“I’ve learnt a lot from the management team, a lot of minor stuff that seems simple but makes a big difference in my game. All of my teammates have been a big help as well and I can’t thank them enough.

“I think I’ve improved in every area since being here, but in particular I’d say my understanding of the game has improved. I still have a lot more to learn though.

“I know I can still improve a lot, in all areas of my game but especially for my position, hold up play and around the box in terms of being more clinical.”

Daggers boss Ben Strevens added: “I feel very fortunate to have inherited Syd, he’s exactly the type of player we like to work with. His attitude over the off-season has meant he’s come back really well this pre season.

“We as coaches just want to keep helping him develop on and off the ball. He has a willingness to listen and learn and that’s showing in his performances lately.

“I really hope he has a massive part to play this season and if he keeps playing the way he is I’m sure the fans are going to really enjoy watching him perform for the football club.”

Ibie’s extension came after defender Page was made the club’s sixth signing of the summer.

The 27-year-old has impressed during pre-season, with Daggers drawing 1-1 with League One neighbours Leyton Orient in midweek.

And the former West Ham youth-team player – who made his first-team debut in a Europa League tie against Andorra’s Lusitanos, told Daggers TV: “I’m very happy. I’ve been here since day one of pre-season so about three weeks now, I’ve played a few games so it’s been nice to be a part of the group.

“The main thing is to get the minutes to get you used to it, we did a lot of running the first week and a half, then the games came along,

“The sessions have been really tough but they’ve been football-based which is what you want as a player. We’re all enjoying it and all getting fitter.”

Strevens added: “We’ve been really impressed with Pagey since the first day he come in pre-season.

“His qualities on and off the football pitch made it such an easy decision for us. He comes in with good experience at EFL level, but he’s at a great age to keep on improving and adapting his game.

“He’s really good in a 1v1 situation and has also shown quality in attacking areas with his crosses into the box and final decisions he makes in the final third.”

Daggers host Gillingham on Saturday, before visiting Northwood in their last pre-season friendly on Tuesday (August 1).