Mark Dickson (footballer)

Last updated

Mark Dickson
Personal information
Date of birth (1981-12-12) 12 December 1981 (age 42) [1]
Place of birth Belfast, Northern Ireland
Height1.71 m (5 ft 7+12 in) [2]
Position(s) Striker
Youth career
St Andrew's Boys
Dungoyne
Glentoran
Northampton Town
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2000 Northampton Town 0 (0)
2000–2001 Newry Town 44 (4)
2001–2006 Larne 133 (40)
2006–2008 Linfield 46 (25)
2008–2010 Crusaders 52 (18)
2010–2011 Donegal Celtic 30 (2)
Total305(89)
International career
1999 Northern Ireland U17
1999–???? Northern Ireland U18
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Mark Dickson (born 12 December 1981) is a former semi-professional footballer from Northern Ireland. He began his football career as a trainee with Northampton Town, for whom he made one first-team appearance in the Football League Trophy, before returning to his native country, where he played for Newry Town, Larne, Linfield, Crusaders and Donegal Celtic. He won the Irish League and Cup double in successive seasons with Linfield, and scored the winning goal for Crusaders in the 2008–09 Irish Cup Final.

Contents

Early life and career

Dickson was born in Belfast. As a schoolboy, he played for the County Antrim under-16 side that reached the quarter-finals of the 1997 Milk Cup, losing to eventual winners Middlesbrough F.C., [3] and also represented Belfast Schools. [4] At club level, he played for St Andrew's Boys, Dunboyne and Glentoran Youth before moving to England to join Northampton Town as a youth trainee. [5] He made only one brief first-team appearance – in the second round of the Football League Trophy on 11 January 2000, as a second-half substitute as Northampton lost to Bristol Rovers in a penalty shootout. [6] While at Northampton, he was called up to the Northern Ireland under-17 team for a friendly match against Wales, [7] and played for the under-18s in the European Championship qualifiers. [1] [8] Dickson completed his two-year apprenticeship with Northampton, but the club did not keep him on. [5]

Newry Town

The 18-year-old Dickson returned to Northern Ireland in the summer of 2000, took a job in the civil service., [9] and signed on semi-professional terms for Newry Town, amid competition from Portadown and Lisburn Distillery for his services. [10] He marked his competitive debut with a deflected goal as Newry beat Crusaders 3–1 on the opening day of the 2000–01 Irish League season. [11] With eight minutes left of the match against Omagh Town two weeks later and 2–0 down, he produced an overhead kick that went in off the crossbar, after which Tommy Morgan equalised. [12] His cross forced Ricky Culbertson into an own goal that gave Newry their first win at Ballymena United for ten years and eased fears of relegation, [13] and a headed goal four days later against Omagh contributed to Newry's comeback from 2–0 down to win 3–2. [14]

Dickson re-signed for Newry, but his form of the previous season dipped. Lowlights of a 1–0 defeat to Ards  – that club's first win of the season [15]  – included Dickson's first-half failure to score after the goalkeeper had rushed out of his goal to clear and missed the ball, and later "[doing] the seemingly impossible when blasting the ball over the bar from six yards". [16] He was left out of the starting eleven for some time, but returned against Glentoran to produce "what would have been a contender for goal of the season with the match delicately poised when he stole possession 45 yards from goal, cut inside Chris Walker, beat Paul Leeman and just when he was about to pull the trigger, Walker recovered to concede a corner". [17] With the club in financial difficulties, Dickson was one of several players transfer-listed in December 2001, [18] and he dropped down a division to join Larne a few days later.

Larne

Dickson contributed his share of goals, including five in three games in January, [19] a header and a 25-yard (23 m) shot in a 4–4 draw with Ballymena, [20] and one of the seven that Larne put past Limavady United in the last game of the season to finish fourth on goal difference. [21] He did however miss a great chance to save Larne from elimination by junior club Killyleagh YC in the sixth round of the Irish Cup. [22]

The Irish League was to be restructured for the 2003–04 season, and the top four teams in the First Division would be promoted. [23] In October 2002, Dickson scored the only goal of the game against Limavady United to give Larne their first home win since the opening day and take them into the automatic promotion positions. [24] The team stayed in and around the top four, and the last promotion place was between them and Bangor for the rest of the season. [23] Dickson's eighth goal of the season, the only goal of the game against Ballyclare Comrades, took them third at the start of March. [25] In April, Larne were losing to Ballymena until Dickson equalised with a 12-yard (11 m) volley, and a stoppage-time winner from Mark Parker took them above Bangor on goal difference. [26] The following week, Dickson scored the only goal of the game against Armagh to leave Larne needing a draw away to Bangor on the last day of the season to secure promotion to the Premier League. [27] Larne's goal, scored when a "free kick from the right seemed to strike Dickson on the back of the neck to loop over [the goalkeeper]'s head", [28] combined with "some stout defending", earned them that draw. [23]

Larne made an unexpectedly good start to the new season. Eliminating Coleraine from the League Cup helped by a goal from Dickson, who was then working as a postman, [29] his opening goal paved the way for a 2–1 defeat of Cliftonville to go second in the league at the end of October. [30] Dickson started the league cup final, also against Cliftonville, but was unable to help his side retain their lead, and Larne lost 5–4 on penalties. [31]

Dickson had been playing on the right of midfield, but new manager Jimmy McGeough used him as a forward. [32] After his performance in a lone striker role as Larne narrowly failed to hold on for a shock win at Linfield, McGeough said he was "too good for the Irish League", and suggested that with his "pace, ability and know-how", he should be "playing across the channel". [33] After a goalless draw against Crusaders, experienced defender Jeff Spiers, who had successfully man-marked Dickson, said he had "a good first touch and is very strong for his height". [34]

In January 2005, Cliftonville made an offer for the player that failed to meet Larne's £20,000 valuation. [35] By March, the Sunday Mirror was calling Dickson "the most sought after player in the Irish League". Although Larne's chairman said the "easy going and quiet" Dickson was happy at the club, they recognised "his talent [would] take him elsewhere". They hoped he would move outside Northern Ireland, so that a transfer fee would be payable; a move within the Irish League would attract only "development compensation" of around £6,000. [36] He scored a hat-trick against Loughgall in the quarter-final of the Irish Cup and a 59th-minute penalty to defeat Ballymena United  – whose manager Kenny Shiels saw him as Larne's "main threat", having unsuccessfully tried to sign him during the previous transfer window [37]  – in the semi-final. [38] Playing as a lone striker in the final, Dickson "still stood out with his strength and running in difficult circumstances". [39] After he was fouled just outside the penalty area, the Portadown defenders were expecting Dickson to take the free kick himself, but Neil Ogden took it quickly and gave Larne an early lead which did not last. Portadown won 5–1. [40]

Out of contract at Larne, Dickson had decided to follow former manager Tommy Kincaid to Glenavon, but his pre-contract agreement was torn up after Kincaid's dismissal. He trained with Ballymena, [41] but eventually chose to remain with Larne. His 13 goals helped ensure their Premier League survival, then at the end of the season he joined league champions, and the club he supported, Linfield. [42] [43]

Linfield

Dickson made his Linfield debut in the Champions League qualifier against ND Gorica, marking the occasion with a goal from the penalty spot. [44] Although his penalty in the second leg was saved, and Linfield went out 5–3 on aggregate, goalkeeper Alan Mannus was impressed by his hold-up play and movement, described him as "strong, puts himself about a bit, has a nice burst of pace and if he's given a chance he takes it", and suggested he would provide competition for established strikers Peter Thompson and Glenn Ferguson. [45] Although frequently played on the wing rather than his preferred centre-forward position, he made light of media comment, suggesting that although "signing for Linfield was a dream", he had not been complacent and was "happy to play anywhere". [46] The "fantastic feeling" of "finally getting [his] hands on [his] first league medal" was tempered by concern for former team Larne, threatened with administrative demotion. [47] He scored a hat-trick in the 2006–07 Irish Cup semi-final to eliminate Lisburn Distillery, [48] and scored the opening goal in the final and converted his penalty as Linfield beat Dungannon Swifts in a shootout. [49] He finished the season with 20 goals in all competitions. [50]

In his second season at the club, Dickson had problems maintaining a place in the side even out of position, though accepted that "that will happen if you are at a club like Linfield". [51] His goal in the last league game of the season helped them clinch the title, and in the Cup Final, his introduction as a substitute made a difference as Linfield came back from a goal behind to win 2–1 and secure an unprecedented third consecutive double. [52] [53]

Crusaders

Dickson turned down Linfield's offer of a new two-year contract at the end of the season, preferring to join Crusaders. [50] He said later that "it was tough sitting on the bench with Linfield but there were quality players there and I decided to take a chance here. After sitting on the bench you have a point to prove so there is that extra bit of motivation in your mind." [54]

Although Dickson's first goal for Crusaders, a stoppage-time winner against Lisburn Distillery, took them into the top three in the Premier League, he accepted his team needed to be more clinical. [55] He expressed surprise that his "impressive form" earned him the Player of the Month award for September, suggesting that players for higher-profile clubs were more likely to win such awards. [56] Dickson made more appearances than any other Crusaders player over the season and was the club's top scorer. [57] [58] His 17th goal, scored after 47 minutes of the 2009 Irish Cup Final when he "thundered a sweet right foot volley high into the roof" of Cliftonville's net, gave Crusaders their first Irish Cup win for 40 years, [59] and Dickson himself his third in three.

The Cup win gave Crusaders entry to the qualifying rounds of the Europa League; Dickson started both legs against FK Rabotnički, who won 5–3 on aggregate. [60] He scored the first goal of the 2009–10 County Antrim Shield final victory over Linfield, [61] but his season was disrupted by a knee injury, which the player believed was exacerbated by Crusaders' artificial pitch. At the end of the season he was out of contract, but on a lengthy waiting list for an operation on his knee. [62]

Donegal Celtic

Although Dickson was concerned that playing on through his injury had made the problem worse, [63] and might be damaged further if he remained in the Premier League, [64] he signed for Donegal Celtic. He scored his first goal for the club in stoppage time against Crusaders to tie the scores at 4–4, leaving time for Paul McVeigh to snatch a winner from the penalty spot. [65] He finally had his cartilage operation in early November, [66] and was playing again within weeks. By the end of the season, he was fit and had helped Donegal Celtic stay in the Premier League, but rearranged shift patterns in his day job as a postman meant he was no longer available for Saturday football and he announced his retirement:

In the current climate, my work commitments must come first. For now, my football days are at an end. [67]

Honours

Linfield

Crusaders

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portadown F.C.</span> Association football club in Northern Ireland

Portadown Football Club is a semi-professional Northern Irish football club who play in the NIFL Premiership.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crusaders F.C.</span> Association football club in Northern Ireland

Crusaders Football Club is a semi-professional Northern Irish football club playing in the NIFL Premiership. The club, founded in 1898, is based in north Belfast and plays its home matches at Seaview.

Paul William Millar is a Northern Irish former football player and coach.

The Irish Intermediate Cup is a Northern Irish football competition for teams of intermediate status, including NIFL Premiership reserve sides. It is a straight knock-out tournament and is currently sponsored by McCombs Coach Travel.

The 2007–08 Irish Premier League was the 107th edition of the Irish League, the highest level of league competition in Northern Irish football, and the 5th and final edition in its current format since its inception in 2003.

Thomas Houston Watson was an Irish professional footballer. He began his career with Irish Intermediate League side Crusaders as a half back before joining Cardiff City in 1925 where he converted to defence. He became a regular first team player during his debut season in the Football League and later played in the 1927 FA Cup Final, helping the side become the only team from outside England to win the competition.

Albert Watson is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays for NIFL Premiership side Carrick Rangers.

The 1983–84 Irish League was the 83rd edition of the Irish League, the highest level of league competition in Northern Irish football. The league consisted of 14 teams, an increase of two on the previous season, with Carrick Rangers and Newry Town becoming the first new participants in the league since the 1972–73 season. The league title was won by Linfield for the third consecutive time.

The 2000–01 Irish League was the 100th edition of the Irish League, the highest level of league competition in Northern Irish football. The league consisted of 10 teams, and Linfield won the championship.

The 2003–04 Irish Premier League was the 103rd edition of the Irish League, the highest level of league competition in Northern Irish football. For this season there was a change from the structure of previous seasons, with the First Division reverting to intermediate status and the new Premier Division being renamed as the Irish Premier League. The league consisted of 16 teams, and Linfield won the championship.

The 2004–05 Irish Premier League was the 104th edition of the Irish League, the highest level of league competition in Northern Irish football, and the 2nd edition in its current format since its inception in 2003. The league consisted of 16 teams, and Glentoran won the championship.

The 2006–07 Irish Premier League was the 106th edition of the Irish League, the highest level of league competition in Northern Irish football, and the 4th edition in its current format since its inception in 2003.

The 2008–09 IFA Premiership was the 1st season of the IFA Premiership, the highest level of league football in Northern Ireland, and the 108th season of Irish league football overall.

Chris Morrow is a Northern Irish footballer who currently plays for Brantwood.

The 2017–18 NIFL Premiership was the 10th season of the NIFL Premiership, the highest level of league football in Northern Ireland, the 117th season of Irish league football overall, and the 5th season of the league operating as part of the Northern Ireland Football League.

The 2020–21 Irish Cup was the 141st edition of the Irish Cup, the premier knockout cup competition in Northern Irish football since its inauguration in 1881. The competition began on 27 April 2021 and concluded with the final at Mourneview Park, Lurgan on 21 May 2021.

The 2021–22 Irish Cup was the 142nd edition of the Irish Cup, the premier knockout cup competition in Northern Irish football since its inauguration in 1881. The competition began on 7 August 2021 and concluded with the final at Windsor Park, Belfast on 7 May 2022.

The 2022–23 NIFL Premiership was the 15th season of the NIFL Premiership, the highest level of league football in Northern Ireland, the 122nd season of Irish League football overall, and the 10th season of the league operating as part of the Northern Ireland Football League.

The 2022–23 season is Linfield's 122nd season in the top flight of the Northern Ireland Football League having never been relegated since the league's formation in 1890. In addition to the domestic league, they will also compete in the Irish Cup, the League Cup, the County Antrim Shield, the Scottish Challenge Cup, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kofi Balmer</span> Northern Irish footballer (born 2000)

Kofi Balmer is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Scottish Premiership club Motherwell. He has won caps for Northern Ireland up to under-21 level.

References

  1. 1 2 "Mark Dickson: Profile". UEFA. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  2. "Northampton Town 1999/00". FootballSquads.com. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  3. "Madrid out to ruin the party". Belfast Telegraph. 24 July 1997.
  4. Fenton, Bob (19 March 1998). "Hero Leonard shocks Scots". Belfast Telegraph.
  5. 1 2 Swain, Maxie (20 March 2018). "The Big Interview: Mark Dickson remembers the good old days with Larne, and they could be returning". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  6. "Games played by Mark Dickson in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  7. "Wilson waits in the wings!". The Pink. Coventry. 16 January 1999.
  8. "Boylan carries flag". News Letter. Belfast. 28 August 1999.
  9. "Fuming Kenny". News Letter. Belfast. 29 January 2001. Retrieved 2 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  10. "Newry in swoop for Dickson". Belfast Telegraph. 19 July 2000.
  11. Mills, Alex (14 August 2000). "Cowan quick off the mark" . News Letter. Belfast. p. 17. Retrieved 20 August 2021 via Gale OneFile: News.
  12. Ward, Peter (28 August 2000). "Newry earn valuable point at Omagh" . News Letter. Belfast. p. 16. Retrieved 20 August 2021 via Gale OneFile: News.
  13. O'Neill, Shaun (29 January 2001). "Dickson's Bally good show stuns shot-shy United". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 2 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  14. "Newry's late, late show". News Letter. Belfast. 1 February 2001. Retrieved 2 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  15. Smyth, Austen (2 September 2001). "It's Ard luck as Newry blow the lot" . Sunday Mirror. London. p. 70. Retrieved 20 August 2021 via Gale OneFile: News.
  16. Palmer, Jim (3 September 2001). "Young strike ends Ards wait for League victory" . News Letter. Belfast. p. 44. Retrieved 20 August 2021 via Gale OneFile: News.
  17. McIntosh, Mark (12 November 2001). "Dickson tips Glens for title". News Letter. Belfast. Retrieved 2 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  18. "No reprieve for Walker". BBC Sport. 6 December 2001. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  19. Coates, Adam (13 January 2002). "Paul on the rise" . Sunday Mirror. p. 74. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  20. Bannon, Orla (28 January 2002). "Whites eye fast return to top spot" . Daily Mirror. p. 3. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  21. McKee, Ross (29 April 2002). "Hunter ignites Distillery party". News Letter. Belfast. Retrieved 2 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  22. Campbell, Paul (26 February 2002). "Juniors book Comrades tie" . The Mirror. p. 52. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  23. 1 2 3 "The history of Larne Football Club". Larne F.C. 8 June 2008. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  24. Fullerton, Nicky (9 December 2002). "Leaders Ballymena too Swift for Dungannon". News Letter. Belfast. Retrieved 2 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  25. "Shiels: We need to respond". News Letter. Belfast. 3 March 2003. Retrieved 29 December 2012 via NewsBank.
  26. Weir, Billy (14 April 2003). "Late shows give Swifts a title boost" . Daily Mirror. p. 3. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  27. "Carrick spoil Dungannon party". BBC Sport. 19 April 2003. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  28. Bell, Jim (23 April 2003). "Celebration day for Larne". News Letter. Belfast. Retrieved 2 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  29. Cameron, Grant (24 September 2003). "Bann men Larne the hard way ..." News Letter. Belfast. Retrieved 3 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  30. Campbell, Paul (20 October 2003). "Larne second as they edge cup rehearsal". The Mirror. p. 3. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  31. "Cliftonville's spot-kick triumph". BBC Sport. 11 November 2003. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  32. Bannon, Orla (6 May 2005). "We can pool it off" . Daily Mirror. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  33. Hanna, Gordon (13 December 2004). "Lone star Dickson" . Daily Mirror. p. 2. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  34. McGreevy, Alex (24 January 2005). "Jeff fights to the end". News Letter. Belfast. Retrieved 29 December 2012 via NewsBank.
  35. Mills, Alex (25 January 2005). "Hands off Mark say Larne". News Letter. Belfast. Retrieved 3 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  36. McGreevy, Alex (13 March 2005). "Larne in battle for Dickson" . Sunday Mirror. p. 71. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  37. "Stop him getting on Mark!". Ballymena Times. 31 March 2005. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  38. McGreevy, Alex (3 April 2005). "Larne have last laugh" . Sunday Mirror. p. 76. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  39. Fullerton, Darren (9 May 2005). "Portadown 5 Larne 1: how they rated" . The Mirror. London. p. 2. Retrieved 20 August 2021 via Gale OneFile: News.
  40. Franklin, Alan (8 May 2005). "Ports storm to victory" . The Sunday Times. London. p. 7. Retrieved 20 August 2021 via Gale OneFile: News.
  41. "Dickson D-day". Ballymena Times. 4 August 2005. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  42. "Dickson to join Windsor champions". BBC Sport. 23 May 2006. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  43. McIntosh, Mark (9 July 2006). "Setting the benchmark" . Sunday Mirror. p. 62. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  44. Harris, Martin (14 July 2006). "Euro hopefuls up against it". Irish Football Association. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  45. Fullerton, Darren (21 July 2006). "Making a Mark" . The Mirror. p. 57. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  46. McIntosh, Mark (29 April 2007). "Kear Royale" . Sunday Mirror. p. 65. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  47. Luney, Graham (30 April 2007). "Dickson has that champion feeling" . Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  48. Luney, Graham (5 May 2007). "Dickson bids to end his cup pain" . Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  49. "Linfield win cup after shoot-out". BBC Sport. 5 May 2007. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  50. 1 2 "Dickson leaves Blues for Crues". BBC Sport. 20 May 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  51. "Dickson not down and out at Blues". Belfast Telegraph. 1 December 2007. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  52. "Linfield begin title celebrations". Lisburn Today. 26 April 2008. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  53. "Fear factor drives Jeffrey on". News Letter. Belfast. 5 May 2008. Archived from the original on 22 April 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  54. "Cup King Dickson in Crues control". Belfast Telegraph. 9 April 2009. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  55. "Crusaders must kill off teams: Dickson". Belfast Telegraph. 29 September 2008. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  56. McIntosh, Mark (8 October 2008). "Glentoran manager McDonald is keen to keep raising bar" . Belfast Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  57. "Magowan agony at missing Crusaders' cup final". Belfast Telegraph. 16 April 2009. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  58. "Fixtures/Results/Scorers – 2008/2009". Crusaders F.C. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  59. "Crusaders see off Reds". News Letter. Belfast. 10 May 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2012.[ dead link ]
  60. "Rainey nicks a draw for classy Crusaders". Belfast Telegraph. 15 July 2009. Archived from the original on 19 April 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
    "Europa exit for brave Crusaders". News Letter. Belfast. 24 July 2009. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  61. "Crusaders 3–2 Linfield". BBC Sport. 20 January 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  62. "Dickson in Crusaders contract limbo over knee injury". Belfast Telegraph. 6 May 2010. Archived from the original on 19 April 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  63. McCord, Glenn (20 June 2010). "Dickson line". News of the World. Retrieved 3 June 2012 via NewsBank.
  64. Holt, Chris (8 July 2010). "Cash flow not huge problem, say Glentoran". Belfast Telegraph. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  65. Mills, Alex (16 October 2010). "Away day joy for Celtic in 9 goal thriller" . Daily Mirror. p. 63. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  66. "Dicko will dazzle: Kelly" . Belfast Telegraph. 5 November 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2024 via Gale OneFile: News.
  67. "Dicko hangs up his boots". Daily Mirror. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2012 via NewsBank.