HEYBRIDGE Swifts have parted company with manager Julian Dicks.

Swifts have experienced a disappointing start to the new Pitching In Isthmian League division north season and have suffered five straight defeats, at the start of the campaign.

They were beaten 2-1 at home by Stowmarket Town on Tuesday in the first league game on the new 3G pitch and are bottom of the table.

Dicks, who returned as Swifts boss for a second spell last March, is a tough taskmaster but that defeat hurt him and he has now decided to resign as boss.

In a statement, the former West Ham United favourite said: "As of this morning I have resigned from my role as manager. It wasn’t an easy decision but, at this time it is the right one for me and my family.

I appreciate all the support I have received from Gary and Steve , the fans and the club as a whole.

"Now the pitch is ready I’m sure things will come together. I wish the club all the best going forward."

 

Swifts say they are aiming to find Dicks' permanent success 'as soon as is practical'.

In a statement, they said: "We are sorry to announce the departure of Julian Dicks from his role as Heybridge Swifts manager.

"We are in the process of appointing a replacement manager in a caretaker role and then making a permanent appointment as soon as is practical."

Swifts have challenging games coming thick and fast, starting with Aveley away on Saturday (3pm) where the Swifts played half a dozen pre-season friendlies so it will seem like a home game.

The next home game brings Maldon and Tiptree to Scraley Road in the rearranged Bank Holiday derby that was switched to Saturday week because of the 3G installation.

Then there is a tricky midweek journey to Felixstowe on September 28 (7.45pm) followed by the visit of Canvey Island on October 2 (3pm) before North Division leaders Barking visit in the FA Trophy on October 9 (3pm).