 Former captain Dicks is still a fans' favourite at West Ham |
West Ham legend Julian Dicks says a lack of team spirit may be the cause of this season's disappointing form. On their return to the top flight last season the Hammers reached the FA Cup final and finished 10th but this term they have lost eight games in a row.
"Last season they had nothing to lose so they worked for each other. That produces results," he told BBC Sport.
"This year it seems the opposite - they don't seem to be working for each other but I'm sure they'll turn the corner."
 | All I can say to fans is be patient and get behind them, and hopefully they'll turn the corner |
Wednesday's Carling Cup exit at the hands of Chesterfield extended West Ham's losing run to eight games, the club's worst string of results in over 70 years.
But Dicks, who suffered Cup defeats against Wrexham, Stockport and Swansea in his days with the club, said he was confident things would change soon for Alan Pardew's side.
"After last season this one had to be just as good, or better, but football's just not like that - it hits you where it hurts," he said.
"The players have got to have a bit of self confidence and belief, and I'm sure the win will come."
Their next chance to end the string of defeats will be at home to Blackburn on Sunday, and Dicks says West Ham fans must get behind the team, rather than on their backs.
"The players will be nervous so all I can say to fans is be patient and get behind them, and hopefully they'll turn the corner," he said.
Things looked so positive when Argentine World Cup duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano arrived at the club, but since then West Ham have failed to score a Premiership goal.
But Dicks says they should not be made scapegoats.
"It's an easy way out to blame them," he said.
"They're World Cup players, so they're going to be good.
"It'll take them a while to settle down but West Ham have some other very good players so it shouldn't really disrupt the side."
Dicks remains one of the most popular players to have worn the West Ham shirt in recent years, and clearly still loves the club.
And he remains confident that despite the recent sticky patch, things will improve soon.
"The games I've seen, there didn't seem to be that much wrong but I've been in that situation, and when you're in there silly little things like free kicks go against you," he said.
"But it you start winning things start happening for you. Everybody's got to perform and give 110% to get the club out of the rut they're in."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Interview: West Ham striker Marlon Harewood