Dicks delighted with welcome

Julian Dicks is thrilled to be returning to West Ham United ahead of a historic season for the Club
Julian Dicks has hailed his beloved West Ham United fans after returning to the Club where he is hailed as a legend.

The Hammers great is back at the Boleyn Ground in a new role as coaching assistant to Slaven Bilic – a move that has been roundly welcomed by the supporters who roared The Terminator on during his eleven-year playing career in Claret and Blue.

Now, as the Club enters its historic final season at the Boleyn Ground, Dicks told West Ham TV he cannot wait to get down to work with his former teammate Bilic and the first-team squad.

“It’s absolutely fantastic for me to be back,” the four-time Hammer of the Year began. “I’ve known Slav for many years and have not spoken to him for a few of them, so I didn’t expect to be back here, even under Slav, but he rang me and we had a chat and it’s happened from there.

“He wants me here and I’m just happy to be here. It is very exciting. I was here for eleven years and I love the Club.

“I’ve always had a great relationship with the supporters and since Slav took over all I have been asked is ‘Are you going back to West Ham?’ and fortunately it has happened.”
I’ve always had a great relationship with the supporters and since Slav took over all I have been asked is ‘Are you going back to West Ham?’ and fortunately it has happened
Dicks’ appointment has generated huge excitement among fans on social media, with thousands sending the former left-back tweets of support.

With enthusiasm for Bilic’s own arrival and three exciting new signings already secured, the Boleyn Ground is approaching a sell out for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg visit of Andorra’s FC Lusitans.

Dicks himself is not surprised that the Claret and Blue Army are starting the Farewell Boleyn campaign by invading their historic home of 111 years.

“West Ham are a one-off Club and you have to understand what the Club is and what the supporters want,” explained the new coaching assistant. “At the end of the day, they make or break you.

“They are the best fans in the world, but then again they expect people and their players to work hard. If you work hard first, that’s fine, and if you have ability that’s even better.

“Slav was here as a player and he knows what the fans want, which is attractive, attacking football and that’s what he’ll try and deliver.”