Gary Dicker

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Gary Dicker
Dicker playing for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2011
Personal information
Full name Gary Richard Perry Dicker[1]
Date of birth (1986-07-31) 31 July 1986 (age 38)[2]
Place of birth Dublin,[2] Ireland
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
Crown Legacy (manager)
Youth career
Cherry Orchard
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2007 UCD 69 (5)
2007Birmingham City (loan) 0 (0)
2007–2009 Stockport County 55 (0)
2009Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 9 (1)
2009–2013 Brighton & Hove Albion 129 (5)
2013–2014 Rochdale 12 (1)
2014 Crawley Town 11 (0)
2014–2016 Carlisle United 39 (1)
2016–2021 Kilmarnock 158 (3)
2021–2022 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 (0)
Total 482 (16)
International career
2005 Republic of Ireland U19 2 (0)
2006 Republic of Ireland U21 4 (1)
Managerial career
2024– Crown Legacy
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Gary Richard Perry Dicker (born 31 July 1986) is an Irish football coach and former professional player who is the head coach for MLS Next Pro side Crown Legacy FC, the reserve side of Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC.

He started his career with League of Ireland club UCD and went on to make more than 200 appearances in the English Football League, most notably with Brighton & Hove Albion, then spending almost five and a half years with Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock before semi-retiring in 2021 when he returned to Brighton and became a player-coach for Brighton & Hove Albion U23s. Dicker played for his country of Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level. After retiring as a player, he joined the coaching staff at Brighton, and since September 2022 has been assistant head coach of the club's U21 team.

Club career

UCD

Born in Dublin, Dicker began his career at League of Ireland side UCD. He joined from his local junior club Cherry Orchard and was gradually introduced into the first team through substitute appearances towards the latter end of UCD's successful 2004 First Division campaign. Dicker progressed his way into a regular starting position the following season and successfully partnered Tony McDonnell in central midfield for the 2005 and 2006 Premier Division seasons. During his time at UCD he earned underage honours for Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level.

In the 2006 League of Ireland close season he spent a loan spell at Championship side Birmingham City, but he never made it past the reserve team. He made his debut for the Birmingham City reserves against Stoke City Reserves, which Birmingham won 3–0. The Birmingham reserve team coach, Keith Bertschin, described Dicker as a "very decent player. He's a good technical player, who can see and put in some lovely weighted passes and is decent with both feet".

Stockport County

Dicker was signed by manager Jim Gannon for Stockport County on 29 May 2007, for a fee of just £40,000, signing a contract until 1 July 2010.[4] He played a regular part in Stockport's 2007–08 League Two campaign and took part in a promotion for the second time in his career as County successfully negotiated their way into League One via the playoffs. Dicker was a fan favourite during his time at Stockport for his passing ability and off the ball work rate. Dicker scored his only goal for Stockport in November 2008, opening the scoring in a 5–0 win in an FA Cup first-round tie at home to Yeovil Town.[5]

Brighton & Hove Albion

Dicker playing for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2011

On 26 March 2009, Dicker joined League One side Brighton & Hove Albion on loan for the remainder of the season.[6] He made nine appearances for the Seagulls, scoring one goal, during this spell. On 25 June, he joined Brighton on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.[7] On 28 April 2011, having helped Brighton secure promotion to the Championship, Dicker was rewarded with a two-year contract extension.[8] He was released when that contract expired at the end of the 2012–13 season.[9]

Rochdale

On 13 September 2013, Dicker joined Rochdale on an initial five-month deal.[10]

Crawley Town (loan)

On 23 January 2014, Dicker joined Crawley Town for the remainder of the 2013–14 season.[11]

Carlisle United

On 27 June 2014, Dicker signed a two-year deal with League Two side Carlisle United.[12]

Kilmarnock

On 1 February 2016, Dicker moved to Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock, signing an eighteen-month contract.[13] He made his debut in a Scottish Cup tie away to Rangers five days later.[14] In early February 2021, Dicker was asked to help take temporary charge of the Kilmarnock first team alongside James Fowler and Andy Millen following the departure of Alex Dyer.[15] He left Kilmarnock at the end of the 2020–21 season.[16]

Return to Brighton

Dicker returned to Brighton & Hove Albion on 2 July 2021, signing a deal to become a coach for the U23s whilst being eligible to play as one of three over-age outfield players in the Premier League 2.[17] He made his first appearance since signing on 14 September, starting in the away trip at Walsall in the group stage of the EFL Trophy. He was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Emmanuel Osadebe in the 1–0 loss.[18] On 25 January 2022, Dicker announced his retirement from playing professional football.[19]

Coaching career

On 31 January 2022, six days after he announced his retirement from playing, Dicker became a coach for Brighton & Hove Albion U18s, working alongside James Baxter.[20] In September 2022, he became assistant to Albion U21s head coach Shannon Ruth.[21]

On 14 November 2024, Dicker was appointed as head coach for Crown Legacy FC in MLS Next Pro.[22]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
UCD 2004[23] LOI First Division 9 1 4 0 0 0 13 1
2005[23] LOI Premier Division 31 2 4 0 4 0 39 2
2006[23] LOI Premier Division 29 2 3 0 0 0 32 2
Total 69 5 11 0 4 0 84 5
Birmingham City (loan) 2006–07[23] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stockport County 2007–08[24] League Two 30 0 0 0 2 0 4[a] 0 36 0
2008–09[25] League One 25 0 4 1 1 0 2[b] 0 32 1
Total 55 0 4 1 3 0 6 0 68 1
Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 2008–09[25] League One 9 1 9 1
Brighton & Hove Albion 2009–10[26] League One 42 2 5 0 0 0 0 0 47 2
2010–11[27] League One 46 3 4 0 1 0 1[b] 0 52 3
2011–12[28] Championship 18 0 0 0 1 0 19 0
2012–13[29] Championship 23 0 2 0 1 0 26 0
Total 138 6 11 0 3 0 1 0 153 6
Rochdale 2013–14[30] League Two 12 1 1 0 2[b] 0 15 1
Crawley Town 2013–14[30] League One 11 0 11 0
Carlisle United 2014–15[31] League Two 20 1 1 0 0 0 2[b] 0 23 1
2015–16[32] League Two 19 0 4 0 3 0 1[b] 0 27 0
Total 39 1 5 0 3 0 3 0 50 1
Kilmarnock 2015–16[32][33] Scottish Premiership 12 0 2 0 0 0 2[c] 0 16 0
2016–17[34] Scottish Premiership 36 1 1 0 4 0 41 1
2017–18[35] Scottish Premiership 21 0 4 0 0 0 25 0
2018–19[36] Scottish Premiership 35 0 3 0 4 0 42 0
2019–20[37] Scottish Premiership 30 2 3 0 2 0 2[d] 0 37 2
2020–21[38] Scottish Premiership 24 0 2 0 1 0 27 0
Total 158 3 15 0 11 0 4 0 188 3
Brighton & Hove Albion U23 2021–22[39] 1[b] 0 1 0
Career total 482 16 47 1 24 0 17 0 570 17
  1. ^ One appearances in Football League Trophy, three in League Two play-offs
  2. ^ a b c d e f Appearances in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ Appearances in Premiership play-offs
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League

Honours

Stockport County

Brighton & Hove Albion

References

  1. ^ "2021/22 Premier League squads confirmed". Premier League. 10 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Gary Dicker". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  3. ^ "Gary Dicker". Kilmarnock F.C. Archived from the original on 31 July 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
  4. ^ "Deal done". Stockport County F.C. 29 May 2007. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017.
  5. ^ "Stockport 5–0 Yeovil". BBC Sport. 18 November 2008. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
  6. ^ Camillin, Paul (26 March 2009). "Dicker deal done". Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 26 March 2009.
  7. ^ Dudding, Tim (25 June 2009). "Duo sign on dotted line". Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. Archived from the original on 28 June 2009. Retrieved 25 June 2009.
  8. ^ Camillin, Paul (28 April 2011). "New deals for midfield duo". Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. Archived from the original on 1 May 2011. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
  9. ^ "Brighton release Gary Dicker, Marcos Painter & Vicente". BBC Sport. 16 May 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  10. ^ "Gary Dicker signs". Rochdale A.F.C. 13 September 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
  11. ^ "Reds sign Dicker". Crawley Town F.C. 23 January 2013. Archived from the original on 27 January 2014.
  12. ^ "Carlisle United: Gary Dicker and Billy Paynter join Cumbrians". BBC Sport. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  13. ^ Barnes, John (1 February 2016). "Kilmarnock sign up Gary Dicker & Lee Hodson". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  14. ^ Lindsay, Clive (6 February 2016). "Rangers 0–0 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  15. ^ "Fowler not seeking Kilmarnock job". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  16. ^ "Squad update following 2020/21 season". 25 May 2021.
  17. ^ "Gary Dicker returns to Albion". Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. 2 July 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  18. ^ "Match Report: Walsall 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion – News – Walsall FC". Walsall FC. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  19. ^ "Former Kilmarnock captain Gary Dicker retires from football at 35 – Daily Record". Daily Record. 25 January 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  20. ^ "Dicker takes on under-18 role". Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. 31 January 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2022. We're excited to see him develop as a coach with the under-18s, working jointly with James Baxter.
  21. ^ Camillin, Paul (23 September 2022). "Work permits granted and coaching appointments confirmed". Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. Retrieved 11 December 2022. Following Crofts' appointment, Shannon Ruth will step up to become under-21 head coach, with Gary Dicker also moving up from the under-18s as Shannon's assistant.
  22. ^ "Crown Legacy FC Appoints Gary Dicker as Club's Next Head Coach". CharlotteFootballClub.com. Charlotte FC. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d "Gary Dicker - Soccer player profile & career statistics - Global Sports Archive". globalsportsarchive.com.
  24. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  25. ^ a b "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  26. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  27. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  28. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  29. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  30. ^ a b "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  31. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  32. ^ a b "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  33. ^ For play-off first leg: Mullen, Scott (19 May 2016). "Falkirk 1 Kilmarnock 0: Bairns leave it late again as Killie stunned in play-off". Glasgow Times. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  34. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  35. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  36. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
  37. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  38. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  39. ^ "Games played by Gary Dicker in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  40. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2011). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2011–2012. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 39, 104–105. ISBN 978-0-7553-6231-8.