KSI told he's just done 'the worst thing ever' after investing in Dagenham & Redbridge
Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn has told KSI that owning a football club is the worst thing you could ever do after the YouTube star bought a minority share in Dagenham and Redbridge earlier this week. The National League South side announced long-serving managing director Stephen Thompson would step down from his role and place on the board at the end of March.
The Daggers, who were relegated from the top-tier of non-league football, are currently in the sixth-tier and 13th in the table on 49 points. KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, rose to fame on YouTube and has more more than 17m subscribers to his channel.
He branched out into music and boxing, fighting the likes of Logan Paul and Tommy Fury, while currently a judge on Britain's Got Talent with Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.
• KSI to star in new series charting 'every high and low' of buying football club
• KSI drops bombshell as Arsenal fan announces investment in English football team
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!
Hearn's father, Barry, knows a thing or two about owning a football club, having owned Leyton Orient from 1995 to 2014.
Speaking to DAZN, Eddie Hearn said: "Owning a football club is the worst thing you could ever do. 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.
"So, I like it. I'll tell you what, the old Daggers, they'll be on the old comeback trail. I might have to come back and buy Leyton Orient again."
When asked if he had any advice for the YouTuber, Hearn said: "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."
Speaking to the club's website after buying a share in the club, KSI said: "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.
"And once we reach that point, I want to go even further. 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, and will be an exciting team to watch and support."
The club called the 32-year-old's involvement "its most significant strategic partnership to date."