Gary Dicker has taken up the role of coach of Albion under-18s alongside James Baxter, after calling time on his playing career.
The former midfielder joined Albion for a second time at the beginning of this season, becoming overage player-coach for the under-23s.
Academy manager John Morling said, “Gary follows in the footsteps of Liam Rosenior – who is now at Derby County – Steve Sidwell, and Andrew Crofts in past Brighton players completing the player to coach scheme we have.
"We were proud that another top professional chose to come into our environment when Gary joined and this change in role will be hugely beneficial at the start of a new chapter for him.
“We’re excited to see him develop as a coach with the under-18s, working jointly with James Baxter.”
Dicker announced his retirement from playing this week on Twitter, “Officially retired and hanging up the boots. 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.”
Officially retired and hanging up the boots. 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 🙌🏼
— Gary Dicker (@gary_dicker) January 25, 2022
The 35-year-old made more than 150 appearances in his first spell for Albion after joining in March 2009 from Stockport County. He made the move permanent in July 2009 and spent the next four seasons with the club.
After spells with Rochdale, Crawley Town and Carlisle, Dicker joined Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock in 2016, making more than 150 appearances and coaching the reserve team for four years before he was released at the end of last season.