Julian Dicks has stepped down as manager of Heybridge Swifts after a disagreement over further cuts to the club’s playing budget.
The former West Ham defender ended his third spell in charge of the Essex side on Saturday night, bringing a close to his 17-month tenure.
Dicks, 57, had returned to Heybridge last summer aiming to build on his previous stints with the club, but tensions over financial constraints proved too great to continue.
“I decided to leave Heybridge on Saturday night after I was told that the already lower budget was being cut again,” he said.
Julian Dicks has parted ways with Heybridge Swifts following pay disputes
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“This, amongst other issues, and certain people at the club, has led me to make this decision. I believe the players and the fans deserve more. All the best for the season.”
Heybridge, who currently sit 16th in the Isthmian League North Division — the eighth tier of English football — confirmed Dicks’ departure in a statement. “We can confirm that Julian Dicks has resigned from his position as first-team manager,” the club said.
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“We’d like to thank Julian for his time, effort and commitment during his spell in charge and wish him all the best for the future. Adrian Whitbread will take charge of the first team on an interim basis while the club explores its options.”
Dicks enjoyed a distinguished playing career before moving into management. After beginning at Birmingham City, he joined West Ham United in 1988, quickly becoming a fan favourite for his fierce tackling and powerful left foot.
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Julian Dicks made over 500 appearances for West Ham throughout his career
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Across two spells with the Hammers, he made over 300 appearances and scored nearly 50 goals.
In between, Dicks had a brief stint with Liverpool following a 1993 swap deal, but his time at Anfield lasted little more than a year before returning to Upton Park, where he remained until 1999. He later ended his playing career with non-league side Canvey Island.
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His managerial and coaching career has been equally varied. Dicks took charge of Wivenhoe Town and Grays Athletic before managing West Ham’s women’s team. He went on to work as first-team coach under Slaven Bilic at both West Ham and later West Bromwich Albion, as well as having a short spell on Watford’s staff in 2022.
Heybridge first appointed Dicks as manager in 2018, where he enjoyed early success before moving on to West Brom.
Julian Dicks has had a varied career in coaching
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He later returned for two shorter stints in 2021 and again in 2023, but his latest spell has now ended amid frustration over financial backing.
The Swifts will now begin their search for a permanent successor as they look to stabilise their league form and rebuild following Dicks’ departure.