Former Carlisle United midfielder Gary Dicker is on his way to the USA for a head coach role.
He has been appointed to the top job at Crown Legacy FC.
The North Carolina team play in MLS Next Pro, a league mostly comprising of reserve teams and which is 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-21s in order to make the move.
Crown Legacy are the reserve team of Charlotte FC, who play in the MLS (Major League Soccer) Eastern Conference.
The 38-year-old said it was an opportunity he could not turn down.
“I am excited and grateful to become the next head coach of Crown Legacy FC,” Dicker told his new club’s website.
“I believe my coaching experience will be beneficial to developing and attracting the next generation of footballers for Charlotte FC.
“The club’s philosophy and dedication to bringing through the next generation of talent made this an opportunity I could not pass up.” Dicker also paid tribute to Brighton for helping his coaching development.
Crown Legacy’s president Darrius Barnes added: “Gary’s appointment furthers our strategic approach to the Pro-Player Pathway which has been fruitful since launching CLFC in 2023.
“We are excited to bring in Gary and believe he has the experience and knowledge to not only develop and progress our young talent within Crown Legacy FC but also create a winning environment that aspires for excellence.”
Technical director Tommy Wilson added: “Hiring Gary from a top English Premier League club is a testament to the strength of our organization, and a statement of intent which shows we are focused on player development.
“His track record at Brighton makes him the ideal candidate to lead us forward, and we are excited 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 move in a career which, during his playing days, brought 50 appearances for the Blues.
The former Brighton, Rochdale and Crawley player joined Carlisle under Graham Kavanagh in the summer of 2014.
He went on to have spells out of favour under Kavanagh’s successor Keith Curle and a row over extra training which involved the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Dicker, though, went on to score a memorable goal against Plymouth Argyle in April 2015 which helped secure League Two safety, on a day Billy Paynter – who had also been sidelined under Curle – also scored.
The Irish midfielder played in big games such as 2015/16’s League Cup clash against Liverpool at Anfield, and that season’s FA Cup fourth round clash with Everton at Brunton Park.
He went on to play for Kilmarnock before returning to Brighton as an over-age player in the Seagulls’ under-21s, before retiring from playing and focusing on coaching with the club’s under-18s and then under-21s.
