Julian Dicks

Julian Dicks
Born	(1968-08-08) August 8, 1968 Bristol, England
Occupation(s)	Footballer, coach
Years active	1985–2002 (player)
Known for	Left back for West Ham United and Liverpool; coach of Heybridge Swifts

Julian Andrew Dicks (born 8 August 1968) is a former English footballer and current coach, presently in charge of Heybridge Swifts.

His playing tenure lasted from 1985 until 2002, mainly occupying the left back position in the Premier League with West Ham United and Liverpool. Dicks was honored as West Ham's player of the year on four occasions between 1990 and 1997. He launched his professional journey at Birmingham City and wrapped up his playing days in non-league football at Canvey Island. Moving into management, he took the helm at Wivenhoe Town in 2009 before assuming control of Grays Athletic later that year. On the international stage, he represented both the England U21 and England B squads.

Renowned for his fierce approach and standing as one of the most intimidating players in football—earning the moniker "The Terminator"—Dicks was a tenacious tackler and regularly took penalties and free-kicks, thanks to his powerful shooting ability.

Early life

Born at Keynsham Hospital in Bristol, Dicks is the son of Carol and Ron, who worked as a forklift operator for Courage Brewery. Ron also participated in non-league football both as a player and manager, including stints with Keynsham Town and Shepton Mallet. Julian attended Novers Lane Primary School followed by Merrywood Boys Secondary School in Bristol. At age 11, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Bill Nicholson scouted him for West Ham United but rejected him due to insufficient pace. When he was 13, scout Ron Veal spotted him playing and recommended him to Aston Villa, but after manager Ron Saunders departed Villa, Veal moved with Saunders to Birmingham City. Upon turning 14 in 1982, Saunders offered Dicks a football apprenticeship at Birmingham City.

Birmingham City

Dicks commenced his professional journey at Birmingham City after relocating from Bristol at age 14. Progressing through youth ranks and reserves, he made his first-team debut in 1985 during a 2–0 defeat against Chelsea. In 1988, manager John Lyall signed him for West Ham United for £300,000, providing an opportunity to compete at the highest level following Birmingham's relegation in 1986. Despite accumulating a disciplinary record of 33 bookings and one dismissal across four seasons at Birmingham, Lyall recognized potential beyond Dicks’ physical style.

West Ham United

Dicks made his West Ham debut on 2 April 1988 in a Division One fixture versus Sheffield Wednesday, which ended in a 2–1 loss for West Ham. He appeared eight times that season and secured the starting left back role the following year, participating in 34 of 38 matches. His inaugural goal came during a 2–1 defeat at Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium. Unfortunately, West Ham were relegated to Division Two after finishing nineteenth.

After relegation, John Lyall was replaced by Lou Macari as manager; however, Dicks did not have a productive relationship with Macari. Nevertheless, he maintained his position as left back and assumed primary responsibility for penalties following Ray Stewart’s departure. Throughout his time at West Ham, he converted 35 penalties while missing only four. His first successful penalty was the decisive goal against Watford on 23 September 1989.

That season also saw him captain the side for the first time during a League Cup tie against Birmingham City. Macari appointed Dicks both captain and penalty taker concurrently. Known for his aggressive style, Dicks frequently received cautions; his first red card came during an intense League Cup match against Wimbledon in 1989 that featured an on-field brawl sparked by a tackle from Dennis Wise. The match attracted condemnation as "a disgrace to football." West Ham concluded the season seventh amid managerial upheaval—Macari left and former player Billy Bonds took charge. Both Bonds and Dicks were famed for their toughness and often clashed.

Injury

Dicks began experiencing injury problems during the 1990-91 season. On 13 October 1990, while playing against Bristol City at Ashton Gate, he sustained an injury to his left leg after stepping into a depression on the pitch. Although he continued to participate in the match, he found it difficult to walk afterward. Despite physiotherapist John Green advising knee cartilage surgery, manager Bonds instructed him to "crash on." Dicks was chosen for the subsequent fixture against Swindon Town but lasted only 38 minutes before being substituted, and he was replaced again in the next game versus Blackburn Rovers. Following knee surgery, he did not make a comeback until 21 December 1991, by which time West Ham had secured promotion back to the First Division.

Another relegation and promotion

Dicks featured in the second half of the 1991–92 campaign; however, West Ham ended the season at the bottom of the First Division, failing to qualify for the inaugural Premier League. The 1992–93 season proved challenging for Dicks as he received three red cards and multiple bookings, resulting in manager Bonds removing him from captaincy. His initial sending-off came after an elbow incident involving Newcastle United’s Franz Carr—a moment Dicks later described as inexplicable. Shortly thereafter, he was dismissed following altercations with Wolverhampton Wanderers players Paul Birch and Steve Bull. His third red card occurred in January 1993 after committing two fouls on Derby County’s Ted McMinn, requiring teammate Clive Allen to escort him off the field. Despite disciplinary issues, Dicks played a vital role in West Ham’s promotion push, appearing in 34 of 46 league matches and netting eleven goals—ranking third highest on the squad behind Clive Allen and Trevor Morley—and earned a Division One runners-up medal.

Premier League and Liverpool transfer

West Ham endured difficulties during their opening seven Premier League fixtures. New signing Simon Webster suffered a long-term injury following a training incident involving Dicks. Another acquisition, Dale Gordon, did not fulfill expectations. Assistant Manager Harry Redknapp facilitated Dicks’ move to Liverpool, where manager Graeme Souness, impressed by Dicks’ display against Swindon Town, secured him in a swap deal that sent David Burrows and Mike Marsh to West Ham. The additional funds were utilized to sign experienced striker Lee Chapman. Souness intended to "toughen up" Liverpool by pairing Dicks alongside Neil Ruddock.

Dicks made his Liverpool debut on 18 September in a high-profile Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, which ended in a 2–0 defeat. Despite early challenges including an error that led directly to a goal, he established himself as a regular starter and scored his first goal for Liverpool in January 1994 during a 3–0 victory over Oldham Athletic. His disciplinary record improved significantly, remaining free of bookings throughout his time at Liverpool. However, Souness faced growing criticism from supporters due to unpopular decisions and poor team performances, culminating in calls for his resignation following an FA Cup defeat to Bristol City in February 1994. After three years at the helm, Souness departed and was succeeded by Roy Evans, who disapproved of Dicks’ playing style and subsequently marginalized him.

Under Evans’ management, disagreements concerning training routines, fitness levels, and dietary habits resulted in Dicks being demoted to reserve team matches and training sessions with youth squads. His final first-team appearance occurred on 7 May 1994 during a 2–1 loss to Aston Villa. The pre-season for 1994-95 started poorly; following a 4–1 friendly defeat to Bolton Wanderers, Evans once again criticized Dicks, prompting him to seek a transfer. Over his 13-month spell at Liverpool, Dicks featured in 28 matches across all competitions and scored three goals—including the last goal ever scored in front of Anfield’s standing Spion Kop before its conversion to seating. Despite his short stay, Souness considered Dicks among the finest players he had coached.

Return to West Ham

Upon re-signing Dicks, manager Harry Redknapp remarked that his chairman believed he "was off his rocker," primarily because Dicks had gained significant weight compared to when he transferred to Liverpool a year earlier. Dicks’ first match in his second tenure, held on 22 October 1994, resulted in a 2–0 victory at home against Southampton, during which he upheld his combative style by receiving a booking. Throughout the 1994–95 campaign, Dicks was instrumental in West Ham’s battle against relegation, contributing five goals. The following season, 1995–96, saw him finish as joint top scorer alongside Tony Cottee, with ten league goals. That year also featured an unusual moment when Dicks took over as goalkeeper against Everton on 19 December 1995 after the dismissal of regular keeper Ludek Miklosko; despite conceding two goals in a 3–0 defeat, he earned Man of the Match honors.

During the 1996–97 season, Dicks scored twice in a pivotal 4–3 London derby triumph over Tottenham Hotspur on 24 February 1997. This victory ended a nine-match winless run and triggered a climb from 18th place to finish 14th in the Premier League.

A knee injury forced Dicks to miss the entire 1997–98 season. He made his comeback in 1998–99, during which West Ham secured fifth place and UEFA Cup qualification; however, persistent injury problems limited him to just nine Premier League appearances. Subsequently, his contract was terminated, leading to his retirement after a 14-year professional career, including 11 years at West Ham. Over two spells, Dicks amassed 315 competitive appearances and scored 64 goals, many from penalties. His last outing came against Arsenal on 6 February 1999, while his final goal was recorded in the FA Cup against Swansea City on 2 January 1999.

In August 2000, West Ham honored Dicks with a testimonial match held at the Boleyn Ground on the 13th, facing Spanish team Athletic Bilbao. The event was marred by an altercation involving 17 players; West Ham’s stand-in captain for the occasion, Paolo Di Canio, was sent off for striking opponents, and Bilbao’s coach substituted a player in an effort to defuse tensions. Bilbao emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. From this testimonial fixture, Dicks received £200,000.

Canvey Island

In 2001, Dicks briefly returned to competitive football by signing with non-League side Canvey Island. Within just ten days of joining, he played a role in a notable FA Cup upset as Canvey defeated Football League club Wigan Athletic 1-0 in the first round. Their cup run continued with another victory over Football League opposition when Northampton Town were beaten 1–0 in the subsequent round, with the winning goal originating from an action involving Dicks.

International career

Dicks made his debut for the England under-21 squad in May 1988 during a friendly encounter against Switzerland under-21s. His performance secured him selection for the 1988 Toulon Tournament squad, where despite receiving a red card and subsequent suspension, he featured in both the semi-final and final matches; England ultimately lost to France.

In 1992, Dicks earned two caps for the England B team in fixtures against Czechoslovakia and the CIS. By 1995, although media outlets advocated for his inclusion in England’s Euro 96 squad based on strong form, disciplinary problems curtailed his chances. Notably, he was cautioned for stamping on Chelsea’s John Spencer and subsequently sent off shortly after for fouling Arsenal’s Ian Wright. These incidents attracted significant media scrutiny and resulted in a three-match ban imposed by The Football Association (FA), effectively ending his international ambitions.

In 1997, under manager Glenn Hoddle’s regime, Dicks was informed by assistant John Gorman that he might be considered for selection if he altered his appearance. However, by that time he had already withdrawn from further international contention.

Wivenhoe Town

On 5 January 2009, Dicks resumed his football involvement by taking on the managerial role at Eastern Counties League club Wivenhoe Town. However, he departed the position by mutual agreement shortly after the conclusion of that season.

Grays Athletic

Dicks assumed managerial duties at Conference National side Grays Athletic in September 2009. During his initial campaign, the club was relegated from the Conference and subsequently chose to drop three tiers to compete in the Isthmian League Division One North. After guiding the team to a 10th-place finish in the following season, he left Grays by mutual consent in May 2011.

Sealand

In July 2013, Dicks took charge of the Sealand squad for the Tynwald Hill International Football Tournament held on the Isle of Man.

West Ham United Ladies

Dicks was appointed manager of West Ham United Ladies on 19 June 2014. Under his leadership, the team improved their league standing from 10th to sixth in the 2014–15 campaign and reached the final of the London FA Capital Women's Cup, where they were defeated 5–0 by Charlton Athletic Ladies.

West Ham United

On 29 June 2015, Dicks joined West Ham United as first-team coach, working alongside manager and former teammate Slaven Bilić. He extended his contract by two years in June 2016. Following Bilić's dismissal in November 2017, Dicks also exited the club.

Heybridge Swifts

Dicks took over as manager of Heybridge Swifts on 4 October 2018, securing victories in his opening two matches against Mildenhall Town and Bury Town. Despite winning the 2018–19 Isthmian League Division One North play-off final in May 2019, promotion was denied due to restructuring within the non-league pyramid system—a decision Dicks publicly condemned as "ridiculous". He subsequently left Heybridge to reunite with Slaven Bilić at West Bromwich Albion.

West Bromwich Albion

In July 2019, Dicks joined the coaching team at West Bromwich Albion. He departed alongside Bilić following the latter’s sacking on 16 December 2020.

Return to Heybridge Swifts

Dicks was announced as Heybridge Swifts manager once again on 28 March 2021, with his tenure commencing on 1 July 2021. Shortly after, on 3 July, former Southend United manager Steve Tilson was appointed as his assistant after Karl Duguid’s exit. After a poor start featuring five straight losses in the early stages of the 2021–22 Isthmian League season, Dicks resigned on 15 September 2021.

Watford

On 8 December 2022, Dicks accepted the role of assistant manager at EFL Championship club Watford, marking his return to English football following a spell as technical director with Carolina Velocity in the United States.

Third spell at Heybridge Swifts

On 27 May 2024, Dicks was named manager of Heybridge Swifts for a third tenure.

Personal life

Dicks married Kay in 1988; together they had twin daughters named Jessica and Katie before divorcing in 2001. His brother Grantley also pursued careers as a footballer and coach. After retiring from professional football, Dicks attempted to establish himself in golf but ceased due to knee injuries and performance challenges. Subsequently, he managed the Shepherd and Dog Public House located in Langham, Essex.

Acting career

In 2014, he appeared briefly in a cameo role in the satirical football violence movie The Hooligan Factory.

Honours

Individual

• Selected for the PFA Team of the Year in the 1986–87 Second Division and again in the 1989–90 Second Division

External links

• Profile at Liverpool F.C.