Carl Dickinson

Port Vale Dickinson joined Port Vale in July 2013, signing a one-year contract. Manager Micky Adams stated that: "Carl has performed at a higher level than League One and that experience will be invaluable for us, especially as he can perform at centre-back as well as left-back." He opened the 2013–14 season in a centre-back partnership with Chris Robertson, and said he "enjoyed the challenge" and that "if I can make centre-half my shirt, happy days." He managed to start every game until picking up a suspension in mid-October. His performances made him a strong contender for the club's Player of the Year award and made him a popular player with supporters. At the end of the season he signed a new two-year contract.

He was appointed as club captain in August 2014, taking the armband from the departed Doug Loft. He scored his first goal for the "Valiants" and only his fourth career goal in a 3–1 victory at Doncaster Rovers on 16 August, earning himself a mention on the Football League team of the week in the process. However, he was dropped from the starting line-up two months later after admitting "I haven't been good enough for the standards I set myself every day". After returning to the first-team he stated that a talk with manager Rob Page helped him to calm down as he had put "a bit too much pressure" on himself after taking over the captaincy. He remained in poor form however, but said the criticism from the fans did not affect him after providing the assist for Tom Pope in the win against nearby rivals Walsall on 14 February.

He was an ever-present for the first 26 games of the 2015–16 season before being sent off for an off the ball incident in a 2–1 defeat at Rochdale on 28 November; earlier in the game he also gave away a penalty though opposition manager Keith Hill admitted Dickinson had made an "excellent challenge... I think the referee has got that wrong". Whilst serving his suspension he defended his teammate's from booing, stating that negative fans who booed should "shut up and get behind the team". He was offered a new contract in the summer, though the offer included a "considerable pay cut". He announced his departure from the club in June 2016. Dickinson was named as Port Vale's second best left-back of the 2010s in a public poll taken in January 2020 by The Sentinel; he received 40% of the vote, 10% behind Lee Collins.

Notts County Dickinson signed a two-year contract with EFL League Two side Notts County in June 2016. He and the club endured a difficult 2016–17 campaign, which Dickinson said was the most "mentally challenging" of his career after the "Magpies" faced a change of ownership, manager and an unexpected relegation battle. He had expected to help lead a promotion charge under manager John Sheridan, but ended the season at Meadow Lane fighting on-loan Arsenal defender Marc Bola for the left-back spot under new boss Kevin Nolan. During the 2017–18 season he faced a battle with Daniel Jones for the left-back spot. He made 32 appearances by the end of the 2017–18 campaign and was released in May 2018.

Yeovil Town On 21 June 2018, Dickinson signed a two-year contract with League Two side Yeovil Town. He made 37 appearances for the "Glovers" in the 2018–19 campaign but began training with former club Port Vale after he was told he was not in the Yeovil's first-team plans following manager Darren Way's sacking in March. Yeovil were relegated out of the English Football League at the end of the campaign. Yeovil were fourth in the National League and Dickinson had 29 appearances to his name by the time the 2019–20 season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England; meanwhile during the break in play his impression of former manager Tony Pulis became a viral video on Twitter. Yeovil entered the play-offs at the quarter-final stage, where they were beaten 2–0 by Barnet. He made 37 appearances in the 2020–21 campaign and said he really enjoyed playing under manager Darren Sarll.

Later career After leaving his management position at Hanley Town, Dickinson joined Southern League Premier Division Central club Stratford Town as a player on 10 November 2022. He moved on to Northern Premier League Premier Division side Nantwich Town the following year. He joined Eccleshall of the North West Counties League Division One South in March 2023 to aid the club during an injury crisis. He signed for North West Counties League Premier Division side Bury on 11 June 2023. However, he left Bury the following month due to the long commute from his home. Upon leaving Bury, he signed with Congleton Town, linking up with former Port Vale teammates Richard Duffy and Anthony Griffith. Congleton were crowned Midland League Premier Division champions at the end of the 2023–24 season. Congleton also beat Highgate United 5–1 in the Midland League Cup final. He spent several months focusing on his coaching career before he rejoined Congleton Town in March 2025. He gave away a penalty in the play-off final defeat to Hednesford Town. On 24 June 2025, he signed with newly-promoted Midland League Premier Division club Abbey Hulton United.

Coaching career 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.

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

Personal life 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.

Career statistics

Honours Player Stoke City Football League Championship second-place promotion: 2007–08

Congleton Town Midland League Premier Division: 2023–24 Midland League Cup: 2024

Manager Hanley Town Midland League Premier Division: 2021–22