Ex-Birmingham City, West Ham and Liverpool figure returns to former club as manager

Former Birmingham City defender Julian Dicks is returning to one of his old stomping grounds for the first time in his career.

The 55-year-old has been appointed as the new manager of Heybridge Swifts, in what will be his third spell at the club. He takes over a team that finished seventh in the Isthmian League North Division last season, which is the eighth tier of English football.

Dicks had a spell there in 2018/19 and then returned three years later in 2021, but lasted three months in the role. His first spell at Scarley Road was his most successful as he guided them to a play-off spot, though the club were unable to compete in them.

Since retiring from playing in 2002, Dicks has had a coaching career with several non league teams such as Wivenhoe Town, Grays Athletic and Sealand. Before the Women's Super League was modernised and given a bumper TV deal, Dicks was the manager of West Ham United's Women's team.

The former left-back had also held a coaching role under his former teammate Slaven Bilic at both West Ham, and then at West Brom. His last job in professional football at England was as assistant manager to Claudio Ranieri for a brief period at Watford.

The two-time England B international began his career at Birmingham City and played three years for the first team, playing 89 times. It was at West Ham United where he spent most of his career, playing 159 times in a five-year spell.

He spent one year at Liverpool, playing 24 times and then returned to London to join West Ham and he made 100 appearances, before winding down his career at Canvey Island.