THE Terminator is ready to throw his hat in the ring to become Colchester United’s new manager.

Former West Ham legend Julian Dicks says he wants to fill the U’s hotseat and feels his playing experience could help him lead the club to glory.

Dicks, who was nicknamed the Terminator during his playing career, said: “I was surprised that Paul Lambert left with the team top of the league and playing well.

“But without a shadow of a doubt, I would jump at the chance to manage Colchester.

“I have lived in Colchester for a few years and know the area well.

“I also had a few pre-season games at the old ground when I was at West Ham and I would love to have the chance.”

Dicks’ only experience of senior club management so far has come at Ridgeons League premier division side Wivenhoe Town, who play six tiers in the football pyramid below Colchester.

However, he showed his managerial skills by successfully leading a side freefalling towards relegation away from the trapdoor in difficult circumstances.

“I know I don’t have a great deal of experience at that level, but I have played to the highest level and I know what coaching all about,” said the 41-year-old, who also spent time at Liverpool.

“To be a good manager you don’t necessarily have to be a good coach.

“To get the best out of your players you have got to be a good man manager and to be perfectly honest I feel I would be qualified with my playing experience alone.

“I think I have enough experience to go to Colchester and do a good job for them.

“I spent time playing under people like Harry (Redknapp) and saw his man management was second to none.

“That stood out and he got the best out of players at the club and I feel that has more importance than just coaching as you can work with an assistant.

“I’m very hands on in my approach 24/7 and if you have a good team and back room staff, you can easily do it.”

While his formal coaching qualifications may not be the highest, Dicks, who was renowed as one of the game’s toughest players because of his no-nonsense style of play, feels he still has what it takes to be an effective manager.

And he is hoping that U’s chairman Robbie Cowling, who is himself an avid fans of the Hammers, will give him the chance to prove himself at the U’s.

He added: “I understand you have to have qualifications, but there are managers in the Premier League that haven’t got them and they have been given their chance.

“I would like to meet Robbie Cowling and have a chat so I will definitely be putting my CV in and maybe they will give me the chance.”