Carl Dickinson

Stoke City

Dickinson spent his early youth at the Derby County academy before he joined Stoke City's academy in 2002. He made his senior debut on 11 December 2004, replacing Carl Asaba in the last moments of a 1–0 victory over Coventry City at the Britannia Stadium. His next first-team involvement came on 1 April 2006, when he played the full ninety minutes of a 1–1 draw with Sheffield United. Two days later he signed a professional contract with the club. He played four further Championship games in what remained of the 2005–06 season. His chance to shine at the first-team level came after manager Johan Boskamp decided to blood Stoke's young players. Dickinson spent summer 2006 on loan at Icelandic club Víkingur, along with teammate Keith Thomas, and played two Úrvalsdeild games. He played four games for Stoke at the beginning of the 2006–07 season before he was allowed to join League One side Blackpool on a one-month-long loan on 20 October. Manager Simon Grayson later extended the loan for a further month, as Dickinson continued to cover for injured left-backs Danny Coid and Paul Tierney. He played a total of ten games during his time at Bloomfield Road. After returning to Stoke, Dickinson put in a series of impressive performances at left-back. His commitment and ability made him a firm favourite with the club's supporters and earned him a contract extension. Dickinson played 27 times for Stoke during the 2007–08 season as Tony Pulis led the "Potters" to…

On 17 March 2021, it was reported that Dickinson had "agreed in principle" to sign a three-year contract to join North West Counties Premier Division club Hanley Town as player-manager. He signed former Port Vale teammate Louis Dodds. Hanley were transferred to the Midland League Premier Division for the 2021–22 season and would win the league title to secure a place in Northern Premier League Division One West. He also began coaching the under-12s at Stoke City's Academy in February 2022. On 13 October 2022, Dickinson and assistant manager Dave Kevan left Hanley Town by mutual consent due to "increased business costs". He stated that "I've had to make the choice which had to suit not only me and my family but also make sure helped the club as well". He was reported to have left the club in March 2025, though head coach Anthony Limbrick refused to confirm or deny the reports. Dickinson joined National League club Hartlepool United as Darren Sarll's assistant in May 2024. After Sarll left Hartlepool, Dickinson took on a new role as strength and conditioning coach. Dickinson left the club in May 2025. He joined Leek Town as a coach in January 2026. On 14 April 2026, Dickinson was appointed as first-team manager at Northern Premier League Division One West club Chasetown, though he took charge of training and matchdays only at the end of the 2025–26 season.

Dickinson was a vocal player who was noted for his commitment, hard work, and dedication.

His son, Zac (born August 2010), played in the Stoke City Academy in 2022. Dickinson worked as a personal trainer after his playing career finished.