An ex-Liverpool, West Ham, Birmingham player quits as Heybridge Swifts manager following a dreadful start to the 2021/22 season.
It was in March 2021 when the Isthmian League North Division club stunned fans in announcing the return, as first team manager, of Julian Dicks, who took over the role on the 1st of July.
Julian partnered up with former Colchester United legend Karl Duguid in preparation for what they hoped to be a promotion winning season for 2021/22.
However he’ll never get to find out what ended up happening as he has stepped down with the club bottom of their division, taking 0 points from 4 games played.
— Heybridge Swifts FC (@officialswifts) March 29, 2021
CLUB STATEMENT:
We are sorry to announce the departure of Julian Dicks from his role as Heybridge Swifts manager. We are in the process of appointing a replacement manager in a caretaker role and then making a permanent appointment as soon as is practical.
A message from Julian is below – As of this morning I have resigned from my role as manager. It wasn’t an easy decision but, at this time it is the right one for me and my family.
I appreciate all the support I have received from Gary and Steve , the fans and the club as a whole. Now the pitch is ready I’m sure things will come together. I wish the club all the best going forward.
– STATEMENT ENDS –
Swifts have challenging games coming just around the corner, starting with Aveley away on Saturday afternoon.
The next home game will see Maldon and Tiptree travel to Scraley Road in the rearranged Bank Holiday derby that was switched to Saturday week because of the 3G installation.
Heybridge then faces a tricky midweek journey to Felixstowe on September 28th (7.45pm) followed by the visit of Canvey Island on October 2nd (3pm) before North Division leaders Barking visit in the FA Trophy on October 9th (3pm).
Dicks and Duguid saw the Swifts win the Isthmian North playoff final at Maldon and Tiptree in 2019, however promotion was denied due to the FA non-league reshuffle.
Dicks said that he WAS still fuming about the inept call that he still brands as “a ridiculous decision”.
He confirmed: “I have unfinished business with the club.
“I relish the opportunity to put that right in the 2021/22 season that starts on August 14 after the club has had two abortive campaigns to right that wrong as a result of the Covid crisis.”
JULIAN DICKS’ PLAYING CAREER:
1985–1988 – Birmingham City – 89 games (1 goal)
1988–1993 – West Ham United – 159 games (29 goals)
1993–1994 – Liverpool – 24 games (3 goals)
1994–1999 – West Ham United – 103 games (21 goals)
2001–2002 – Canvey Island – 4 games (1 goal)
Total – 379 games (55 goals)
TEAMS MANAGED:
2009 – Wivenhoe Town
2009–2011 – Grays Athletic
2013 – Sealand
2014–2015 – West Ham United Ladies
2018–2019 – Heybridge Swifts
2021 – Heybridge Swifts
Fans reacted as the ex-Liverpool, West Ham, Birmingham player quits as Heybridge Swifts manager…
@edmonds_alan: Really sad to read this, Julian has always been approachable and honest and I am sure in time he would have built a great team.
@SusanLittle1974: Disappointed to read this tonight, it’s been a difficult start to the season. All the best to Julian and his family
@nuttynech: Very sad to see this not just a top manager but a lovely family too . All the best dicks family xx
@BTFCHague: Good luck Julian
@mykewithay: Dicks out, lads
@Buckby89: Good luck Julian and thank you
@TheBAWAswifts: Tough to read this, great guy and no doubt gave us some unforgettable moments in his first spell at the club. All the best Julian! ⚫️⚪️🥁 #COYS #BAWA
@HARTfulDodger: Will always be remembered for that remarkable season and Play Off Final. One of the most amazing games I’ve ever seen. Takes guts to go back and give it a second attempt.
@max_clarke_: Best of luck to Julian, great guy and always open for a chat 🙂
@ForeverAYellow: A shame to see but when you know, you know. Really would like to see Heybridge Swifts do well again, such a nice club, just hope this season doesnt end in relegation for them, wishing them good luck going forward
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