Last week I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to chat with Alan Dickie. Now a spritely 71 year old, Alan played 17 times in goal for the Hammers in the early sixties. Mainly an understudy to the incumbent Jim Standen he did play in the round one match against La Gantoise in the successful 1965 ECWC campaign. Back in those days there were no substitutes in the game so Alan would spend most of his time playing in the reserves. He did though of course get to play, train and make friends with some of our most iconic hero’s. Alan was acknowledged just recently as part of the 50th anniversary of the ‘65 team on the pitch at half time against Burnley.
Where were you playing and who was the scout that spotted you prior to joining the Hammers? Can you remember how it felt signing on for West Ham and how did your parents react?
I wrote for a trial, living south of the river I wrote to Charlton and West Ham, only West Ham replied. I had a trial at Grange Farm Chigwell, with it seemed like millions of others and got selected to return the following week when the number had been whittled down to about 20. I played against some youth players and got selected to train Tuesday and Thursday evenings, coached by Phil Woosnam and Noel Cantwell. At the time I was about fourteen or fifteen. During that summer I had some recognition at schools cricket and was awarded an England schools cricket cap. I played in the West Ham under 15 side, our home pitch was at Ashton Playing Fields Woodford and won some leagues and some cups. At the end of the season I was asked to join WHU ground staff and agreed. Just after, Leslie Ames the then Kent manager invited me to join the County Cricket staff at Canterbury but alas this was too late, I always fancied myself as a cricketer and it came more naturally to me than football. Who knows what would have happened if I had chosen cricket. I was elated at the prospect of being a footballer and my parents, who had travelled all over the country watching me play cricket were a little surprised at my choice but backed me to the hilt.
You made your debut away to Bolton in 1962. What was that experience like and do you remember much from the game?
Got my chance at Bolton at the age of 18 years and 2 weeks, it was due to injuries to Lawrie Leslie and Brian Rhodes. It was played on a Saturday evening at Burden Park due to some illness around Bolton? We lost 0-1, last kick of the game and if I do say so had a very good game and on return home found my dad bought all next day Sunday papers and according to them I did play well – still got them! As an experience – fantastic. A little nervy at first but into the game overwhelming.
You played in the same side as Moore, Hurst and Peters. What was that like? And who were the players you liked the best in the squad?
To play with all professional footballers is a rewarding experience, to play with those icons is an honour. Not many have had that but I am lucky to have. I am a lucky person who sees good in all so I liked everyone.
Some people had the impression that Ron Greenwood was a little aloof with his players. Others say he was master tactician. What was your opinion of him?
It’s been said many times that Ron was sometimes difficult with his players. Yes and no, but I can confirm that he had not been on a “man management course." As a coach he was second to none.
Is there one good or funny story you can share with us from your time at West Ham?
I have shared many stories with others but one that sticks in my mind was was being sick on the Woolwich Ferry after being sent home from training with a virus and getting stick from all the lorry drivers about my sea legs. Also playing in the first team on a Saturday, my route was bus from Abbey Wood to Woolwich – walk the Subway – bus to East Ham town Hall, this bus went through the docks, in those days the Dockers worked five and half days therefore Saturday morning. I would be on the bus through Albert Dock when they would all get on going to the match. I was the only one with a suit so they knew who I was, great set of lads, great banter, salts of the earth.
Can you recall your favourite or best game for the Hammers and what made it special?
My best game for West Ham was at Liverpool in the early sixties. West Ham had been beaten by Liverpool at Upton Park the previous week 5-2 – they also lost at that weekend 5-0 so Ron changed the defence a little playing John Charles centre half and me in goal. We drew 1-1 in front of a very large crowd and to play the second half with the “Kop” behind my back was a sensation, but to be fair a good set of fans. Geoff Hurst scored for us before half time and they equalised late in the game from a header by Geoff Strong. Liverpool had a good side then with Roger Hunt and Ian St John leading the attack so you can see we were under a lot of pressure.
You had a brief spell at Coventry City after leaving West Ham so you would have played for Jimmy Hill. What are your memories from there?
Really enjoyed my time in the Midlands. Lived in amongst all the players we had a good social life as well as a good football one. The town was behind the team as we had just got promotion to the then division one so it was big crowds and some good players. I lived next door to Ernie Machin and he became captain after George Curtis broke his leg. I played in that game against Notts Forest and he was tackled by Frank Wignall right in my goal mouth. Horrible. Jimmy Hill was the manager but a person called Alan Dicks was the coach who took most of the training. He later became manager of Bristol City for many years with some notability.
Are you pro the Olympic Stadium move or would you prefer the club to stay at Upton Park?
I tend to live in the past, I like 30’s, 40’s and 50’s music – love big bands so hate the thought of WHU moving to another stadium especially when it is not owned by them. I have followed Coventry’s move last year so always think it’s better to own than lease but I am sure the management has taken all avenues into consideration and will make it a success.
Who was the best player you ever played with and who was the best you played against?
Impossible to answer. Johnny Haynes at Fulham was good, so was Roger Hunt, loved watching Tony Macedo at Fulham. Martin Peters was a great talent but so were many sixties players.
Do you keep in touch with any of the Hammers you played with in the sixties?
We have all gone our own ways in later life but we still get invites back to Upton Park for reunions and get together’s – all older, balder, fatter, senile – nice to be remembered.
You are now 71 and enjoying retirement. Do you have any hobbies?
Play golf at Sooters Hill Golf Club. I am President of the RACS cricket club which I have been a member of for over 60 years and love my garden and my 20 year old Volvo 850. I am always “busy doing nothing” working the whole day through, trying to find lots of things not to do” – always leave Saturday for sports day, cricket, football, Blackheath Rugby or even Hockey.
I would like to thank Alan for his enthusiasm to answer some questions about his time at West Ham for the WHTID site. It is amazing to think he was catching busses with the fans to get to a game he was playing in at Upton Park! Oh, how the game has changed.