MAGNUS Okuonghae will playing for Dagenham & Redbridge next season insists Terry Harris.

The Daggers defender has been linked with a move away from Victoria Road but the east Londoners' assistant manager Harris has claimed he will be going nowhere.

The rumour comes after winger Sam Saunders, striker Ben Strevens, and defender Danny Foster all departed on free transfers for League One Brentford.

Midfielder Matt Ritchie has also returned to Portsmouth after a successful loan spell, leaving Dagenham without the spine of the side who narrowly missed out on a place in the League Two playoffs after defeat to Shrewsbury Town on the last day of the season.

Harris said: "I believe Magnus will be staying with us although that could change. As soon as I put the phone down to you I could get a call about him. After the season we've had it would be disappointing if other club's weren't interested in our players."

Dagenham have added Josh Scott in a bid to strengthen their depleted squad from Hayes and Yeading United.

Scott was instrumental in Hayes' promotion push from the Blue Square South, banging in 25 goals in 34 games last season.

Harris is hopeful that Scott will eventually repeat his feat in League Two but is not concerned if the 23-year-old forward does not start scoring instantly for his new club.

"His young and hungry and can score at Blue Square South level but we will give him time to settle in. It may take him two weeks to fit in or it may take him two months.

"I don't think there is any extra pressure on him now that Ben Strevens has left. The only pressure that is on Josh is on himself to do well.

"The goals will come from somewhere. We've got Paul Benson, Jon Nurse, and Wesley Thomas and now Josh and it's great that there is competition for places," he said.

However, there appears to be disagreement at the top levels of Dagenham's management as to how the club will perform next season.

Daggers boss John Still told the Guardian last week he believes Dagenham will struggle to challenge for the playoffs next term but assistant manager Harris insists Daggers will be pushing for a playoff place.

He said: "We had a taste of it last season and I think the lads will be hungry for it again next season. We've got a good squad and we'll be looking to boost the camaraderie during the pre-season. I think we'll be at the top end of the table rather than struggling at the bottom."

Meanwhile, Glen Southam has joined League Two outfit Hereford United on a free transfer.

The midfielder, who played more than 200 games and scored 28 goals for Dagenham & Redbridge, joins Kidderminster goalkeeper Adam Bartlett at Edgar Street.