Former Ireland under-21 midfielder Gary Dicker has hung up his boots to concentrate on his nascent coaching career.
The Firhouse man has spent the past six months as player-coach of Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23s but will now put the playing side behind him to focus on coaching.
35-year-old Dicker has had a long career on both sides of the Irish Sea, having made his League of Ireland bow at the age of 18 with UCD.
He came through the ranks with Ballyfermot schoolboy nursery Cherry Orchard, where he played alongside future Ireland internationals Stephen Quinn and Conor Sammon.
The cultured midfielder spent a period on loan with Birmingham City, alongside winger Paddy Kavanagh, before moving across permanently to Stockport County.
After two years in Stockport, Dicker joined Brighton, initially on loan, and helped them to promotion to the Championship.
A broken leg suffered against West Ham United derailed his progress just as calls were being made for him to be promoted to the senior Ireland team.
Dicker left Brighton in 2013 and had spells with Rochdale, Crawley Town and Carlisle United before moving north to enjoy a five-year stint at Kilmarnock, where he was captain.
He returned to Brighton after an eight-year absence in July of 2021 to take up a dual playing and coaching role under Simon Rusk at the club’s Premier League 2 side.
“Officially retired and hanging up the boots,” the midfielder wrote on social media.
“A big thank you to all the clubs, fans, players, staff and managers I’ve played with and played for.
“I’ve lived the dream, doing something I’ve loved day in, day out. Thank you.”
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