Jullian Dicks has returned to management - as head coach of Bostik League North Division side Heybridge Swifts.
Dicks, who was part of Slaven Bilic's coaching team prior to the Croat's dismissal in November 2017, has been spending recent months working with amateur teams whilst he seeks a new position.However he is now back in full time work having secured the post with Swifts, who are currently 16th in the Bostik North having played six games.
Embed from Getty Images
Dicks, who was 50 in August, replaces the outgoing Jody Brown who resigned last week following Heybridge's poor start to the campaign, which has seen them win just two matches so far this season.
"The calibre of applicants was very high and I feel this reflected the esteem in which the club is now held after the achievements under Jody Brown," said Swifts chairman Gary White.
"Julian’s two-year period as coach at such a high level was a major factor in his appointment and the fact that he has extensively watched Swifts as a fan over the past five years has given him a great affinity to the club and its fans.
“Julian’s roots are firmly in non-league football and his father Ron was a non-league player in the west country, having also managed Frome Town in that area, who Swifts beat in the FA cup last season.
Embed from Getty Images
"Julian is also committed to the junior football side at Swifts and has been a regular visitor to Sunday matches there, as well as taking on some coaching sessions for the boys.
"He is keen to continue and increase this work to ensure that the thriving junior section at the club continues to develop and improve, and potentially provides a pathway to senior football for the best young players there.
"So much of the success of last season came from the unity created at the club with many new fans coming from the junior section and cheering on the first team every Saturday, both home and away.
"I see that increasing further in the season ahead with Julian’s appointment."
Former Colchester United midfielder Karl Duguid has remained at the club as Dicks' assistant.
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
