Eddie Hearn has warned KSI that buying a football club is “the worst thing you could ever do” after the YouTuber acquired a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge. The National League South side, currently 13th in the sixth tier with 49 points, announced the investment this week.
KSI, real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, has more than 17 million YouTube subscribers and has also pursued careers in music and boxing, including fights against Logan Paul and Tommy Fury. He is currently a judge on Britain’s Got Talent alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.
Speaking to DAZN, Hearn referenced his father Barry’s ownership of Leyton Orient between 1995 and 2014. “Owning a football club is the worst thing you could ever do,” he said. “Dagenham – my dad was born in Dagenham. It's not far from me either. Smart move. You've seen it with Wrexham and stuff like that. KSI has got a huge following and he can really drive value to that club and make a big difference.”
Hearn added: “Good luck! Owning a football club is the worst thing you could ever do. Don't get me wrong, the good times are incredible. But to find yourself at AGMs having rows with fans over the cost of a pie in the shop is a nightmare. So good luck KSI.”
KSI expressed ambition to take the club to the Premier League. “I'm so excited to start this journey. It's gonna be a rollercoaster for sure, but I hope to bring Dagenham & Redbridge back to the glory days,” he said. “Reaching the Premier League would be a dream. And I believe it is 100% doable. It will take a long time, so to the Daggers fans, please be patient. I want you to know that I am fully committed to making sure Dagenham & Redbridge is a team that everyone will know worldwide.”
The club described the involvement of the 32-year-old as its “most significant strategic partnership to date.” Long-serving managing director Stephen Thompson will step down from his role and board position at the end of March.
