'I'd have loved experienced pro in youth dressing room'

Gary Dicker can't wait to get started in his new role as over-age player in Albion's under-23s, something he believes would have been of huge benefit to him as a youth player.

The role the 34-year-old is taking on has just been vacated by his now boss Andrew Crofts, with Dicker hoping to use his experiences to help Albion’s youngsters.

“It’s such a forward thinking role that has been created by the club. It’s a helpful stepping stone for the younger players to have someone there that can see something on the pitch that maybe the manager can’t get across at the time.

“I am there to help them in situations where they might not be as vocal. Looking at it from a player’s point of view, I would have loved that experienced head guiding me. I want to be in there setting good standards and showing them what it takes to get to the next level. I will be learning the coaching side as well, but hopefully I can be of a big benefit to the boys.

“I am not getting any younger, but I am still playing at a good level, and have got that hunger and desire and I am still able to play. I have a lot to offer, so from that side of things I am delighted to come in and to help the boys develop.

“I want to try and train as much as I can, I won’t be knocking on Crofty’s door asking why I’m not playing! I want to help the players on the pitch and Crofty and Shannon off it.”

The former Albion midfielder is also relishing the opportunity to hone in his own coaching skills.

“I’ve always been quite proactive with my badges, I’ve had my A licence for the last three or four years. I’ve always had my eye on the other side of the game, always jotting down the sessions that I have enjoyed, I’ve always been that type of player. I was never the most athletic or biggest, I’ve had to use my brain a bit more. That’ll work out quite well with the coaching side, I am a thinker.

“There are so many people I can learn off here; Andrew Crofts, John Morling, Shannon Ruth, Ian Buckman, there’s so much experience. I want to learn as much as a I can from the people in the building.”

Things at the club have changed a little since Dicker joined in 2009 from Stockport County, not least the training ground.

“There’s been massive changes since I joined,” Dicker added. Obviously I was here for the Withdean and then to the Amex, but I left the year before the training ground was built. So to come back and see it, I couldn’t believe the size of it! It’s a great place to come to work every day, I am getting to sample a bit of both, being out on the grass and coaching.”