Women's football: Julian Dicks takes over as manager of West Ham Ladies
Friday 20 June 2014 14:01, UK
Former captain Julian Dicks is delighted to be back at West Ham after being named as manager of the club’s ladies side.
The 45-year-old has recently returned from America where he has spent three years coaching women’s football, predominantly in North Carolina.
And the former left-back is looking forward to resuming his career at a club which he holds very close to his heart.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to be back at West Ham. I love the club and for me it’s an absolute honour for me to be associated with the club once again,” Dicks told Sky Sports.
“I’ve managed before at Grays and at Wivenhoe and I’ve played at the highest level and this is my opportunity to give something back.
“I’m an ambitious person. I was ambitious when I played. I am ambitious as a manager and I want to take West Ham Ladies as far as I can.
“Like every club there is room to improve and even with the players there’s room to improve so hopefully we can all help each other.
“I took the job because I want to improve as a manger and luckily West Ham Ladies have given me a chance.
I’m an ambitious person. I was ambitious when I played. I am ambitious as a manager and I want to take West Ham Ladies as far as I can.
“I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully I can do good things for them. I was there for 11 years and just to be part of the fold again is magnificent for me."
West Ham Ladies play in the FA Women's Premier League South and Dicks revealed a tweet from club-captain Stacey Little played a key role in him taking up his new role.
“I was at a Q and A in Dagenham with (former West Ham manager) Billy Bonds a couple of months ago and I was approached about whether I would be interested in coaching West Ham Ladies,” the former Liverpool defender said.
"Soon after the captain of the side Stacey Little contacted me on Twitter. I’ve known Stacey for a couple of years and she asked me if I would be interested in doing the job and it went from there really.
Everyone, myself included, is really excited about the news that it is definitely happening. I haven’t stopped smiling all morning.
“Women’s football is huge in America and I think it is really coming on strong here because of the huge influx of women wanting to play football.
“Hopefully with me coming on board it can help increase the profile of women’s football and West Ham Ladies. I hope more big-name former players get on board because there are lots of good women players and women’s teams out there.”
West Ham Ladies skipper Little added: “Everyone can’t wait to work with him. He is a West Ham legend and having Julian Dicks as our manager speaks for itself.
“Everyone, myself included, is really excited about the news that it is definitely happening. I haven’t stopped smiling all morning.”
