JULIAN Dicks, is well known as a former West Ham United 'hard case' -- to put it mildly.

But he was due to make his bow as a professional golfer this week, after recurrent knee problems finally forced him out of big-time football.

So how will one of football's reputably more sinister characters fare in the game for gentlemen?

Well, there is no truth in the rumours that his first opponents have already developed a limp.

But I hope his playing partners bear in mind his ferocious reputation.

Believe me, if Julian says your ball is out of bounds, wherever it is, play another!