Dicks is no stranger to non-league football, having previously managed Wivenhoe Town and Grays Athletic, and ending his playing career at Canvey Island.
Upon his appointment, Dicks told the Swifts website, “It feels great to be back. Every manager should aim for promotion right away. I am very ambitious and would love to go straight back up. I would love to play the West Ham way, but let’s see what happens.”
Joining Julian as assistant manager is ex-Hammer Adrian Whitbread, who has worked with Martin Allen at various clubs and also managed in the North American Soccer League.
Dicks previously managed Heybridge Swifts in the 2018-2019 season, leading them to a play-off final victory over local rivals Maldon and Tiptree. However, they were ineligible for promotion due to changes in the non-league pyramid system. He later left to join Slaven Bilic at West Bromwich Albion (WBA), but re-joined Heybridge after Bilic’s sacking in December 2020. However, following five consecutive defeats, Dicks resigned in September of that year.
After a brief stint in the U.S. as Technical Director at Carolina Velocity, he returned to non-league football, eventually coming back to Heybridge.
Playing at Scraley Road, with a capacity of 3,000, Heybridge Swifts are currently tenth, four points away from a play-off spot after nine games.
Having met Julian several times, I, along with the Claret and Hugh team, wish him the best for the rest of the season. If you can’t make it to a game at the London Stadium, I’m sure he’d appreciate your support at the First Call Community Stadium in Heybridge.