Julian Dicks Joins Burnley Clarets Staff 2026

Key Points

• Former West Ham United and Liverpool defender Julian Dicks has joined Angelo Harrop’s backroom staff at the Clarets on a short-term basis.
• Dicks, aged 57 and born in Bristol, brings extensive playing and coaching experience to the role.
• His playing career included stints with Birmingham City, West Ham United, Liverpool, and Canvey Island.
• Dicks made over 100 appearances for Birmingham City after progressing through their youth ranks.
• Signed by John Lyall for West Ham United in a reported £300,000 deal, where he became a fan favourite.
• Won ‘Hammer of the Year’ award twice between 1988 and 1993 at West Ham, with over 200 appearances and 40 goals.
• Transferred to Liverpool for £1.5 million under Graeme Souness, followed by a return to West Ham for 123 appearances and 25 goals.
• Earned two more ‘Hammer of the Year’ awards upon his West Ham return before injuries forced retirement.
• Briefly returned to play for Canvey Island in 2001, helping them achieve an FA Cup upset against Wigan Athletic.
• Entered management in 2009 with Wivenhoe Town, followed by Grays Athletic and the Sealand National Football Team.
• In 2014, managed West Ham United Ladies to an FA Cup final.
• Served as first-team coach at West Ham under Slaven Bilić, then followed Bilić to West Brom and Watford.
• Had three managerial spells with Heybridge Swifts, with his last ending in October 2025.

Burnley (East London Times) February 11, 2026 – Julian Dicks, the former West Ham United and Liverpool defender, has joined Angelo Harrop’s backroom staff at the Clarets on a short-term basis, bringing a wealth of experience from his distinguished playing and coaching career. The 57-year-old Bristol-born stalwart, known for his tenacity and goal-scoring prowess from defence, steps into the role as the club seeks to bolster its coaching setup amid ongoing campaigns. Club officials expressed delight at securing Dicks, whose arrival is poised to inject Premier League pedigree into the training ground dynamics.

Who is Julian Dicks and What is His New Role at the Clarets?

Julian Dicks’ appointment marks a significant addition to Burnley’s backroom team, with the club confirming he will support head coach Angelo Harrop in a short-term capacity. As stated in the official announcement from the Clarets,

“We are delighted to announce that former West Ham United & Liverpool defender Julian Dicks has joined Angelo Harrop’s backroom staff on a short term basis.”

This move underscores Burnley’s strategy to leverage seasoned figures for tactical and motivational impact.​

Dicks, now 57, was born in Bristol and began his professional journey in football’s heartland. His career trajectory, as detailed across multiple reports, reflects a blend of grit and achievement that endeared him to fans. The Clarets’ statement highlights his pedigree, positioning him as a mentor capable of bridging eras in the club’s development.

What Were Julian Dicks’ Early Career Highlights with Birmingham City?

Dicks’ youth career flourished at Birmingham City, where he transitioned seamlessly into the first team. According to the official club announcement, he

“played his youth career with Birmingham before making it into the first team, where he spent three years and achieved over 100 appearances.”

This period laid the foundation for his reputation as a reliable defender with an eye for goal.

Those 100-plus outings showcased Dicks’ potential, earning him attention from bigger clubs. His time at St Andrew’s was marked by consistency, setting the stage for a transformative move that would define much of his legacy.

Why Did Julian Dicks Become a West Ham Legend?

John Lyall’s £300,000 signing of Dicks from Birmingham City proved a masterstroke for West Ham United. The Clarets’ release notes,

“John Lyall then signed him for West Ham for a reported fee of £300,000. Dicks would become a fan favourite at West Ham, picking up the ‘Hammer of the Year’ award twice between 1988–1993.”

He amassed over 200 appearances and netted 40 goals, figures that cemented his status as a cult hero.

Supporters adored his no-nonsense defending and thunderous free-kicks. As reported in the club’s announcement, these accolades – two ‘Hammer of the Year’ honours – reflected his dominance during that golden 1988-1993 spell. West Ham’s Upton Park faithful still chant his name, a testament to enduring loyalty.

What Happened During Julian Dicks’ Liverpool Stint and West Ham Return?

Dicks’ £1.5 million move to Liverpool under Graeme Souness was ambitious but brief. The official statement recounts,

“He made over 200 appearances, scoring 40 goals before signing for Liverpool for £1.5 million. A short spell under Graeme Souness led to a move back to West Ham, where he played 123 times and scored 25 goals, earning another duo of ‘Hammer of the Year’ awards.”

Back at West Ham, he rediscovered his form, adding 123 appearances and 25 goals to his tally. Two further ‘Hammer of the Year’ awards followed, though injuries eventually curtailed his top-flight tenure. This chapter illustrated Dicks’ resilience and affinity for the Hammers.

How Did Injuries Shape the End of Julian Dicks’ Playing Days?

Post-injuries, Dicks departed West Ham and retired from elite football. The Clarets’ announcement elaborates,

“Following injuries, Dicks departed West Ham and retired from football.”

Yet, his passion endured; in 2001, he briefly returned with non-league Canvey Island.

There, he contributed to a memorable FA Cup shock, dumping out Wigan Athletic. As per the club’s report,

“He briefly returned in 2001, playing for local side Canvey Island and helping them achieve an FA Cup shock as they dumped out Wigan Athletic.”

This episode highlighted his competitive fire beyond the professional ranks.

When Did Julian Dicks Transition into Management?

Dicks stepped into management in 2009, taking the helm at Wivenhoe Town. The official narrative states,

“Dicks’ step into management came in 2009, when he became manager of Wivenhoe Town, before a spell with Grays Athletic and the Sealand National Football Team.”

Subsequent roles at Grays Athletic and even the unconventional Sealand National Football Team broadened his horizons. These early managerial forays demonstrated his adaptability across levels, from grassroots to international curiosities.

What Success Did Julian Dicks Achieve with West Ham United Ladies?

Returning to West Ham in 2014, Dicks managed the women’s team to notable heights. According to the Clarets’ announcement,

“He returned to West Ham in 2014, becoming West Ham United Ladies manager and guiding them to an FA Cup final.”

This achievement underscored his coaching acumen in the women’s game, reaching an FA Cup final and elevating the side’s profile. It marked a pivotal reconnection with his spiritual home.

Who Did Julian Dicks Follow in His Coaching Career?

Dicks linked up with former teammate Slaven Bilić at West Ham’s men’s team as a first-team coach. The statement details,

“Following that, Julian joined former teammate Slaven Bilić at West Ham’s men’s team as a first-team coach. Dicks would follow Bilić to West Brom as well as Watford.”

This loyalty saw him traverse West Brom and Watford, gaining exposure in the Premier League and Championship. Interspersed were three spells managing Heybridge Swifts, with his final dugout tenure ending in October 2025, as noted:

“His last time in the dugout for the Swifts ended in October 2025.”

Why is Julian Dicks’ Experience Valuable to Burnley Now?

At 57, Dicks arrives at Burnley – referred to as the Clarets – with a CV blending playing excellence and coaching versatility. His short-term role under Angelo Harrop promises tactical insights from his West Ham and Liverpool days, potentially aiding squad cohesion.

The club’s enthusiasm, voiced in their announcement, signals high expectations. Dicks’ track record of fan engagement and success across tiers positions him to mentor young talents effectively.

How Does This Fit into Burnley’s Broader Strategy?

Burnley’s recruitment of Dicks aligns with a pattern of harnessing ex-players for backroom roles, emphasising continuity and know-how. While short-term, it reflects proactive staff augmentation amid competitive pressures.

No further details on duration or specific duties emerged beyond the initial announcement, but his arrival injects experience into Harrop’s setup. Observers will watch how Dicks influences training and match preparation.

What is the Context of Angelo Harrop’s Tenure at the Clarets?

Angelo Harrop, as head coach, oversees a Clarets side navigating ambitions in their league. Dicks’ integration into his staff enhances an already dynamic environment, drawing on Harrop’s vision augmented by Dicks’ storied past.

This partnership could prove catalytic, particularly given Dicks’ history of elevating teams under pressure.