National League side Dagenham and Redbridge have confirmed they have mutually agreed to part ways with their club captain and goalkeeper Elliot Justham with immediate effect.
As reported on X, the 34-year-old made over 350 appearances for the National League club and leaves by “mutual consent”.
Justham has played a key role for the Daggers this season, making 31 appearances including six clean sheets. The agreement comes as a surprise with the Englishman spending just under nine years at Victoria Road.
A loyal Dagger
Justham moved to Dagenham from Luton Town in 2016 and the club reached the National League play-offs in his first season.
He has since secured his place as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and has gone on to captain the side as they bid to return to the football league.
After announcing his departure on X, Justham received a number of heartfelt, well wishes from the clubs supporters, one wrote: “Elliot you are a daggers legend and a representation of everything that was great about this club. You will always be welcome back with us.” Another wrote “A true club legend who’ll be sorely missed. Thanks for everything Elliott, you’ll always be welcomed back by the fans.”
The stream of well-wishes show exactly how highly the number one was rated within the club.
National League overview
It’s very tight at the top between Barnet, Forest Green & York City as they fight for automatic promotion back to the English Football League. The Bees currently sit on top with 63 points with 30 games played but Forest Green (59) & York City (57) will have plenty to say about who takes top spot as they both have games in hand.
The race for a play-off spot is also close as Oldham, Gateshead, FC Halifax & Rochdale currently sit in the all-important positions but Altrincham, Solihull Moors and Sutton among others are within touching distance.
Ebbsfleet who sit in 24th position and 16 points off survival face an uphill task to retain their place in the National League for another 12 months.
Boston United sit on 19 points and will also find it tough but Maidenhead (26) and Wealdstone (26) will both fancy their chances of securing another season in the division if they can hit form between now and May.
With plenty to play for at both ends of the division, the next few months are guaranteed to be full of twists and turns.