by Former Carlisle United midfielder Gary Dicker is on his way to the US to take up a head coaching position.
He was named to the top job at Crown Legacy FC.
The North Carolina team plays in the MLS Next Pro, a league composed primarily of reserve teams and part of the third tier of the American system.
Dicker, who played for the Blues from 2014 to 2016, has left his role as assistant head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-21 team to make the move.
Crown Legacy is the reserve team of Charlotte FC, playing in the MLS (Major League Soccer) Eastern Conference.
The 38-year-old said it was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.
“I am excited and grateful to become the next head coach of Crown Legacy FC,” Dicker said on his new club’s website.
“I believe my coaching experience will be beneficial in developing and attracting the next generation of soccer players to Charlotte FC.
“The club’s philosophy and commitment to developing the next generation of talent made this opportunity one I couldn’t pass up.” Dicker also paid tribute to Brighton for supporting him in his coaching development.
Darrius Barnes, President of Crown Legacy, added: “Gary’s appointment furthers our strategic approach to the Pro-Player Pathway, which has been successful since CLFC launched in 2023.”
“We are excited to attract Gary and believe he has the experience and knowledge to not only develop and advance our young talent at Crown Legacy FC, but also create a successful environment that strives for excellence.”
Technical director Tommy Wilson added: “The signing of Gary from a top English Premier League club is a testament to the strength of our organization and a statement of intent that shows our focus on player development.”
“His track record at Brighton makes him the ideal candidate to take us forward and we are delighted to bring him on board.”
Dicker is due to arrive at the club in December to begin preparations for the 2025 season.
It is the latest step in a career that has seen him make 50 appearances for the Blues during his playing days.
The former Brighton, Rochdale and Crawley player moved to Carlisle under Graham Kavanagh in the summer of 2014.
He experienced periods of disfavor under Kavanagh’s successor Keith Curle and a dispute over additional training involving the Professional Footballers’ Association.
However, Dicker scored a memorable goal against Plymouth Argyle in April 2015 that helped secure League Two safety, and one day Billy Paynter – also sidelined under Curle – also scored.
The Irish midfielder featured in big games such as the 2015/16 League Cup match against Liverpool at Anfield and this season’s fourth round FA Cup tie against Everton at Brunton Park.
He then played for Kilmarnock before returning to Brighton as an overage member of the Seagulls’ under-21s, before retiring from playing to concentrate on coaching the club’s under-18s and then under-21s.
