43-year-old Strevens is back in familiar territory at The Chigwell Construction Stadium. 'Strevs' was promoted to the EFL with the Daggers at the end of his first full season as a player in East London and enjoyed a fruitful spell with this afternoon's opposition between 2006 and 2009, scoring 41 goals in 125 matches. It must therefore have been something of a 'no-brainer' for Ben to return as manager of the Daggers on 10th March this year, succeeding Daryl McMahon in the post. 

 

Strevens started out at the foot of the Isthmian League with Wingate & Finchley and his playing career took him to the EFL, firstly with Barnet, then next with the Daggers before spells with Brentford and Gillingham sandwiched a period not far from this parish with our local rivals Wycombe Wanderers. A further short spell with the Daggers came along before Strevens started a long association as a player, assistant manager, and then manager at Eastleigh. 

 

Between October 2018 and January 2022, Strevens maintained almost a 40% win rate with the Hampshire side, leading the Spitfires to a play-off place at the end of his first season in charge. A penalty shoot-out defeat at Salford ended Eastleigh's EFL dream.