DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE will be hoping new signing Christian Assombalonga can follow in the footsteps of brother Britt and bang in the goals on their return to Non-League football.
The Daggers have swooped to bring in Assombalonga, 25, after a successful season at Step 4 with Ryman North side Waltham Abbey.
He netted 31 times in 34 appearances for the Abbotts to attract interest from a number of clubs higher up the Pyramid but it’s Dagenham boss John Still who has got his signature.
Still, who took Andre Gray to Luton Town from Hinckley United before his rise to the Premier League with Burnley, is known for his eye for talent and Assombalonga has signed a two-year deal at Victoria Road.
His younger brother Britt, 23, starred on loan for Wealdstone and Braintree Town before making his name with Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
Although Still admits the converted defender is still inexperienced up front, he fits the criteria as a “raw, hungry talent”.
“I was first alerted to Christian when I was at Luton,” Still told the club’s website. “He was spotted by my scouts and I continued to have him watched by which time I arrived at Dagenham.
“He’s a converted centre-half who knows where the goal is and someone who’s full of enthusiasm. Once I made a move to get him the deal was nailed on because he wanted to come here.
“He’s inexperienced but knows where the goal is and fits the bill of raw, hungry talent. I’m pleased he’s now part of our squad for next season”
