Defender looking forward to Tranmere Rovers clash at Victoria Road

Romford Recorder: Daggers Ashley Chambers played with Joe Widdowson at Grimsby Town (pic:Dave Simpson/TGSPHOTO).Daggers Ashley Chambers played with Joe Widdowson at Grimsby Town (pic:Dave Simpson/TGSPHOTO). (Image: Dave Simpson/TGSPHOTO c/o 27 Plaiters Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3LR - Editorial Use ONLY - FA Premier League and Football Leagu)

Joe Widdowson is thrilled to be ‘back home’ and is desperate to help Daggers move up the League Two table.

The 25-year-old moved on loan last month, but hasn’t been able to play under Wayne Burnett yet as he was ineligible to face his parent club Bury last time out.

The former West Ham United youngster was familiar with various players at Victoria Road and is settled back in London.

“I am a local boy from Forest Gate so all my family and friends are still here,” said Widdowson.

“I have spent a while up north at Rochdale, Grimsby, Morecambe, Rotherham for a bit and then Bury.

“So it feels good to be home and I know a lot of faces here so it has been easy for me to settle in.

“Zavon Hines is a good mate of mine. I have played with Ashley Chambers, Damian Batt I know well and Billy Bingham too.

“I am desperate to play and get games now, but the boys are in good form. They have had a couple of wins so I will do as well as I can and if I am called up to start I will give my best.”

Daggers host Tranmere Rovers tomorrow (Saturday) and Widdowson is well aware of the threat they will pose.

The defender faced the Merseyside outfit earlier this season when he was on loan to Morecambe and tasted a 2-1 defeat.

He believes Rovers will offer an even harder match this time around now that Micky Adams has taken over and given them a lift.

“I think they are a different team now,” he added. “They have picked up a bit since the new manager came in.

“I know a couple of their players as well. I know Marcus Holness and Josh Thompson. They have a few good players there, so it will be a tough game.”

A victory this weekend would move Daggers nine points away from the relegation zone.

Widdowson believes a win, as well as some favourable results, can move the Victoria Road outfit up the league towards mid-table.

He added: “A win, with other results going our way, could almost push us up to mid-table.

“The league is very tight, but getting those three points against someone that is down there, like Tranmere, is good to help keep a distance between yourselves and those at the bottom.”

Widdowson wasn’t fit when he joined the club on November 27, but feels back to full fitness now.

He got minutes in a friendly last weekend as well and is excited to help Daggers’ cause.

“The gaffer has been great and I played an hour in the game against Tottenham,” said Widdowson.

“I just want to get some games now and help Dagenham pick up some league points.”