First and Last - Julian Dicks



As West Ham United continue the final season at the Boleyn Ground, we’ve asked our players for some memorable lasts from their careers and lives, as well as some firsts. Today, coaching assistant Julian Dicks goes under the spotlight…
FIRSTS

What was the first car you owned?


It was a Ford Fiesta 1.1 Popular Plus. I remember John Lyall taking me down in his Jaguar to the Ford garage and called the manager saying ‘This boy wants a discount’ and I got one! I paid about £1,500 for
the car.

What was the first CD you bought?

It would have been something like Iron Maiden. I remember they actually came to the training ground back in 1990 so it was good to see them and I saw (Iron Maiden guitarist and Hammers fan) Steve Harris at the game last weekend which was good.

Can you tell us about the first goal you scored for West Ham?

It was against Arsenal at Highbury. We were 2-0 down and I got the ball from a throw-in and chested it down before smashing it past David Seaman into the back of the net. I actually saw the goal on YouTube the other day so I have good memories of it.

Who would be the first person you would call up for a pub quiz?

I would probably say either Slaven or Iain Dowie. Iain wasn't the best looker in the world but he had a good brain on him so I would probably call him up!

Who would be the first player you would vote off the X Factor?

I would have to say my former team-mate Ilie Dumitrescu. I remember when he signed from Tottenham and his English was spot-on but his singing was rubbish.
LASTS

What was the last concert you went to?


Ages ago! It was Guns ‘N' Roses and I saw them play at the Cologne Stadium in Germany. It was not long after that they broke up but it was a good concert. 

Which of your former teammates is the last you would want to be stuck in a lift with?

It depends on the circumstances. I would not want to be stuck in a lift with Ian Bishop if he was drunk! Or Iain Dowie as he is quite boring!

Who is the last player you would take fashion advice from?

It has to be Alex Song. His dress sense is awful and I don't get it at all.

What is the last book you read?

It was Jose Mourinho's book. I don't ready many books but I found that quite interesting as I quite like him. I like to know how he has achieved what he has done and how he treats players. It was interesting.

What is the last thing you want to hear from a manager after a game?

I remember Billy Bonds telling me I had been fined two weeks’ wages for getting sent-off which wasn't very nice!