Alan Dicks

Alan Dicks (born 29 August 1934) is a retired English footballer and football manager. He managed Bristol City for thirteen years and managed clubs in five countries on three continents.

Born in London, he signed for Chelsea at the age of 17, though his playing time in the first team was limited to 35 matches in six years, during this time he completed his 2 years national service with the R.A.F and so only played one game in Chelsea's 1954-55 championship season. In 1958 he moved to Southend United, and in 1962 joined Coventry City as Assistant Manager/Coach under Jimmy Hill.

In 1967 Hill recommended him for the vacant manager's job at Bristol City. He took the job at the age of just 33, and held it for thirteen years. In that time he consolidated City's position in the Second Division, and eventually, in 1976, led them to promotion to the First Division - then English football's top flight. Dicks remained as manager throughout City's four-year stay in Division 1, but relegation and a poor start to the following season saw him leave in October 1980. Subsequently, City suffered three relegations in as many years.

During the 1980s, Dicks managed clubs in Greece, Cyprus and Qatar (where he won the championship with Al Rayyan Sports Club).

He managed Fulham Football Club for one season in the early 1990s before he was sacked.

After leaving Fulham he moved to the United States and subsequently became head coach of Carolina Dynamo and then Charleston Battery in the A-League. He has now retired and returned to Bristol.

External links

• English coaching statistics

Preceded by Ray Lewington

Fulham F.C. Manager 1990-1991

Succeeded by Don Mackay