West Ham United legend Julian Dicks admits he did not expect to return to Upton Park but was thrilled with the reaction to his appointment to Slaven Bilic’s coaching staff.

Hammers fans on Twitter have been quick to welcome Dicks back to the club he served with distinction in two spells. He will assist new head coach Bilic next season after leaving West Ham United Ladies to take up a coaching role.

And speaking to the club website, Dicks spoke of his joy at returning to the east London side.

He enthused: “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.

“He wants me here and I’m just happy to be here. It is very exciting. I was here for eleven 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, who was named Hammer of the Year on four separate occasions between 1990 and 1997, also emphasised the importance of the fans at the club.

“West Ham are a one-off club and you have to understand what the club is and what the supporters want,” explained Dicks. “At the end of the day, they make or break you.

“They are the best fans in the world, but then again they expect people and their players to work hard. If you work hard first, that’s fine, and if you have ability that’s even better.

“Slav was here as a player and he knows what the fans want, which is attractive, attacking football and that’s what he’ll try and deliver.”

West Ham’s season begins this Thursday as Andorran side FC Lusitans visit the Boleyn Ground for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.