Ryan Dickson

Torquay United (loans) Dickson joined Torquay United on loan in January 2007, signing until the end of the season. Plymouth manager Ian Holloway explained that the loan spell would allow Dickson to increase his fitness before returning to Plymouth's squad for the following season. He made his Torquay debut the following day, playing in a 2–2 draw at home to Bury. He scored once in three games for the Gulls before returning to Plymouth with a hernia injury. However, on 22 March 2007, Dickson returned to Torquay on loan for a second stint until the end of the season, making five appearances. making his debut in a 2–0 home defeat by Darlington on 17 November. During his 10 loan matches with the Bees, Dickson impressed Brentford manager Andy Scott enough that he was offered a long-term contract by the club in January 2008.

After making 21 further appearances as a full-time Brentford player in the 2007–08 season,

Dickson made an effective step-up to League One level, making 32 appearances in all competitions through the season and scoring twice; the opening goal in a victory over Norwich City and the final goal in a 3–1 victory against Carlisle United.

Southampton On 10 June 2010 it was reported that Dickson had signed a deal to join the Bees' league rivals Southampton, with the transfer fee set to be agreed at a tribunal. At the tribunal, the fee was set at £125,000 with a further £25,000 for every ten appearances Dickson made for Southampton on 10, 20, 30 and 40 games. There would also be a £25,000 fee due if Southampton won promotion within three years, together with a 20 per cent sell-on clause. He made his debut for the Saints on 7 August 2010, a 1–0 home defeat by his former club Plymouth. His only goal for the club came in the reverse fixture, a 3–1 victory for Southampton, a game which saw Southampton effectively promoted to the Championship thanks to a vastly superior goal difference to Huddersfield Town in third position. His subsequent Southampton career was heavily affected by back problems and an ankle reconstruction.

Yeovil Town (loan) With the Saints playing Championship football in 2011–12, Dickson found himself limited to League Cup appearances in the early stages of the season. He made his debut in a 4–0 thrashing by Sheffield United on 10 January and went on to make five appearances for the Glovers, scoring once in a 3–2 defeat by Bury on 21 January.

Leyton Orient (loan) Following the expiry of his Yeovil spell, Dickson signed on emergency loan for Leyton Orient on 9 February 2012, joining up with the O's until the end of the season. He made his debut on 15 February as Orient beat AFC Bournemouth 2–1 at Dean Court. During his nine games with the club, Dickson was sent off twice, once for a second bookable offence in a 1–0 win against Oldham Athletic on 27 March and the second a straight red card on 14 April against Sheffield United. He made his debut for the Bantams in their 2–1 home loss to Oxford United the following day. He scored once in his six appearances for City, netting in a 2–2 draw with Fleetwood Town on 2 February.

Dickson's loan spell was cut short after being ruled out for six months as he required ankle surgery. Dickson was subsequently released from Southampton in June 2013. Dickson joined League One club Colchester United on trial prior to signing a one-year contract with the club in July 2013. He made his debut for the U's in the opening game of the 2013–14 season, a 1–0 win at Gillingham on 3 August.

After a sprightly start to his Colchester career, Dickson was knocked back by a debilitating illness in September 2013, leaving him out of action for two months, as he was replaced by Everton loanee Luke Garbutt. He recovered to end the season with 35 appearances to his name.

Crawley Town Ryan Dickson was Crawley Town's third signing of the season on a two-year contract after leaving Colchester United. Dickson was awarded Crawley Town's player of the season award for the 2014–15 season.

Yeovil Town On 1 July 2015, Dickson joined Yeovil Town on a two-year contract for a nominal fee after requesting to leave Crawley Town. He was released by Yeovil at the end of the 2017–18 season.

Later career On 16 July 2018, Dickson signed for National League South side Torquay United. He was signed to play a central midfield role at the club. On 26 May 2020, he joined Truro City permanently following his release from Torquay United.

Coaching career In August 2022, Dickson was appointed manager of Torquay U18s. He departed the role in September 2023 and moved into the private sector.

Career statistics

Honours Brentford Football League Two: 2008–09

Torquay United National League South: 2018–19

Individual Crawley Town Player of the Year: 2014–15