FIVE straight defeats from the start of the season proved too painful for West Ham legend Julian Dicks who quit the Heybridge Swifts managerial hot seat for a second time just hours after the midweek 2-1 league defeat at home to Stowmarket, writes JON LONGMAN.

Dicks was nicknamed ‘The Terminator’ in his days at Upton Park but he brought the axe down on himself just 80 days after taking charge at the Aspen Waite Arena for a second time.

Now Swifts chairman Gary White has to find his fourth manager of the year to revive a club who moved off the the bottom of the Division One North table on Saturday’s 2-2 draw with their first point.

White 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.”

The current favourite is assistant manager Steve Tilson who was previously in charge at Southend United.

Dicks said: “As of this morning [last Wednesday], 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 [vice-chairman] Steve [Spreadbury], 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.”

Tilson got off to a good start at Aveley but now faces the derby clash against Maldon and Tiptree on Saturday (3pm).