Soccer star Martin Allen has revealed that top names Joe Cole, Julian Dicks, Simon Royce and Justin Edinburgh are joining him for his Basildon coaching course.

But he has assured people the big cheeses will not be getting an easy ride.

Allen has lured his ever-popular former West Ham team-mate Dicks, as well as Charlton's ex-Southend goalkeeper Simon Royce, Spurs defender Edinburgh and Irons starlets Joe Cole and Craig Etherington, to his summer sessions at Woodlands School.

Allen said: "They're not there just to sign autographs. They'll be working very hard, playing football, each day.

"It's a good way for youngsters to see professionals in action at close quarters and learn from them, and it's also a good way for the pros themselves to keep fit over the close season."

The course, for boys and girls aged six to 16, runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Tuesday, June 1, to June 5 - with a Hammers shirt signed by Ian Wright among the prizes.

Teenager Etherington, who has attended all of Allen's soccer schools for the past 10 years, is one of the best examples of their success - having reached the fringes of the Hammers' Premiership side after thriving with their outstanding under-19s side.

Martin said: "Craig is helping out and Julian Dicks is always very popular when he comes on our schools at Basildon.

"The other players will be there all week, and Julian has kindly agreed to work with us on Tuesday - the day before he goes on holiday."

Joe Cole will be joining the school on Tuesday too.

Allen will also be at the Echo's motorshow at Southend airport all day on Sunday, May 30 promoting his course and running a unique radar-gun shooting competition.

To find out more about the course at Woodlands School - which costs £69 per person - ring 01962 715816.

School days - Martin Allen (left) will have Hammers Craig Etherington (centre) and Julian Dicks

Picture: NICK ANSELL

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