Julian Dicks was known for his tough-tackling and powerful penalties as a West Ham United player. He made 263 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 42 goals and making one assist. He also represented Liverpool and Birmingham City, with a brief stint with Canvey Island at the end of his playing days. However, his managerial career has been unorthodox.
Following a brief stint as a professional golfer, Dicks returned to soccer as the manager of Wivenhoe Town of the Eastern Counties League. He then managed Grays Athletic when they were in the Conference National, but suffered relegation. They then chose to drop down another three divisions to the Isthmian League Division One North. However, after finishing 10th in that league, Dicks left.
Dicks never played for England at senior level; he represented the Three Lions' Under-21s and B team. However, he has managed a national side. He took charge of Sealand (an unrecognised micronation) at the Tynwald Hill International Football Tournament, which took place on the Isle of Man.
Julian Dicks' time at West Ham went beyond his playing days
He then returned to West Ham as the manager of the ladies team. Following his time there, he was Slaven Bilic's assistant with the men's team. Dicks and Bilic oversaw the Hammers' move from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium. However, when Bilic was sacked, Dicks followed.
After a brief spell in charge of Heybridge Swifts of the Isthmian League Division One North, Dicks worked under Bilic again with West Bromwich Albion. They achieved promotion with the Baggies during the 2019/20 season. However, when Bilic lost his job, Dicks did too.
Dicks was then back managing Heybridge before he got the call to work with Bilic again. This time it was with Watford. However, the Hornets have a reputation for hiring and firing managers, and this was no different for Bilic and Dicks.
He had a third spell managing Heybridge, but left the role last year. Dicks is now back in coaching at Chelmsford City. The club posted on their official website, "We are delighted to announce that former West Ham United & Liverpool defender Julian Dicks has joined Angelo Harrop’s backroom staff on a short term basis."
Chelmsford are currently 13th in the National League South, and have some notable players on their roster. This includes former Charlton Athletic and Nottingham Forest striker, Lyle Taylor.