Julian Dicks pleased with West Ham United return

Julian Dicks has said that it is "fantastic" for him to return to West Ham United as a coaching assistant.

The former left-back, who had two playing spells at Upton Park, will work alongside new manager and former Hammers teammate Slaven Bilic.

Dicks has left his role as manager of West Ham United Ladies to become part of Bilic's backroom team.

"It's absolutely fantastic for me to be back. 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," Dicks told the East London Guardian Series.

"He wants me here and I'm just happy to be here. It is very exciting. I was here for 11 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."

Dicks played for West Ham between 1988 and 1993 and a further five years from 1994 to 1999.