8th tier club appoint experienced former Premier League and EFL player as their new manager

8th tier club Chasetown appoint experienced former Premier League and EFL player Carl Dickinson as their new manager.

The Scholars currently sit 10th in the Northern Premier League – West Division with 57 points from 40 games played.

Dickinson comes in to replace Jamie Hawkins after he resigned from his role at the club earlier this month, departing after nine years of dedicated service in a number of roles.

Excited by this opportunity and can’t wait to get going! https://t.co/jPhb3VaO65

— Carl Dickinson (@carldickinson_3) April 14, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

Chasetown FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Carl Dickinson as First Team Manager, with immediate effect.

Dickinson, a highly respected figure in the game, brings a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching career. A former professional defender, he began his career at Stoke City and went on to represent clubs including Leeds United, Barnsley, Portsmouth, Watford, Port Vale, Notts County and Yeovil Town.

Following his playing career, Dickinson has built a strong reputation in management, most notably guiding Hanley Town to the Midland League Premier Division title in the 2021–22 season. He has also gained valuable coaching experience within the professional game, further strengthening his credentials for the role.

Chairman Steve Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment: “We are excited to welcome Carl to Chasetown FC. He is a manager with clear ambition, strong leadership qualities and a proven track record. We believe he is the right person to take the club into the next phase of its growth on the pitch.”

Chris Slater and John Birt will oversee training and take charge of the team for the final home game of the season this Saturday. Meanwhile, Dickinson and his assistant, Kris Scott, will be in attendance as they begin preparations ahead of officially taking charge.

Everyone at Chasetown FC extends a warm welcome to Carl and wishes him every success in his new role. The club is confident that his appointment will herald the dawn of a new and exciting era for the club, its supporters and players alike.

DICKINSON’S CAREER:

Youth
2001–2002 – Derby County
2002–2004 – Stoke City

Senior
2004–2011 – Stoke City – 60 games (0 goals)
2006 → Víkingur (loan) – 2 games (0 goals)
2006 → Blackpool (loan) – 10 games (0 goals)
2009 → Leeds United (loan) – 7 games (0 goals)
2009–2010 → Barnsley (loan) – 29 games (1 goal)
2010–2011 → Portsmouth (loan) – 39 games (0 goals)
2011–2013 – Watford – 47 games (2 goals)
2012 → Portsmouth (loan) – 6 games (0 goals)
2013 → Coventry City (loan) – 7 games (0 goals)
2013–2016 – Port Vale – 143 games (4 goals)
2016–2018 – Notts County – 72 games (1 goal)
2018–2021 – Yeovil Town – 104 games (2 goals)
2021–2022 – Hanley Town – 52 games (10 goals)
2022–2023 – Stratford Town – 8 games (1 goals)
2023 – Nantwich Town – 4 games (0 goals)
2023 – Eccleshall – 2 games (0 goals)
2023 – Bury
2023–2025 – Congleton Town – 53 games (6 goals)
2025 – Abbey Hulton United – 11 games (0 goals)
2025–2026 – Leek Town – 1 game (0 goals)
Total – 658 games (27 goals)

Managerial career
2021–2022 – Hanley Town (player-manager)
2026– Chasetown

A ninety-fourth minute goal…

Carl Dickinson’s only Reds goal is a winner at the Pontefract Road end over Cardiff City. pic.twitter.com/03R40qRtlo

— Barnsley FC Stats (@BarnsleyFCStats) June 28, 2025

Here’s how fans reacted after the 8th tier club appoint the experienced former Premier League and EFL player as their new manager…

@JUSTIN_AVFC_: Great appointment this! For one of non leagues great clubs

@paharman13: Congratulations Carl! Listened to you on Radio Stoke and you spoke with so much knowledge. Good luck in your new job. Next stop after Chasetown with be Stoke!!! 🤩🙏

@SimonLaidler: best of luck Dicko from everyone at the Abbey

@Rainbowsendmfo: All the very best Dicko! I used to work in Chasetown, the club was a big part of the community 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Will always remember the FA cup match when they beat Port Vale!

@Toothy1575: Good luck Dicko great club that 💙⚽️

@Rovert551: Great appointment wishing you all the best very best @carldickinson_3 see you down the Scholars soon 👍⚽️

@Boothen2: Best of luck Dicko. Great club and @Peter_Bailey_ will look after you pal. I’ll pop down and see you pre-season. UTMP’s

@antonybullen57: Congrats, you was always Mr 100% at Notts and a true professional.

@HamdonMart: Good luck, Carl, will be watching with interest from afar!

Sharon Hartley: The best you could have as your Gaffer

Rob Cooper: I’m assuming with our chairman saying “taking us to the next phase” promotion is the minimum requirement!! Good luck and welcome

Ian Payne: Welcome to the chase family Carl. Hope all goes well and a fantastic season ahead. First things first let’s get these last few games of this season out the way and hopefully silverware in the walsall senior cup final. Up the Chase x

Phil Warner: Gave 100% at Stoke every week so hopefully this will be his minimum requirement.

Dave Murcott: Good luck Carl, only time will tell.You have my full support so do it for the Scholars.

Reg Maiden: Chasetown aint far away now from being a good side, scoring as been the problem, get that right and the sky’s the limit

Neil David: Welcome and see you Saturday 👍, really looking forward to seeing a good match

Trevor Edwards: A very good appointment , hugely experienced in the league . Very good player in his day and still very fit. 👍⚽️

Simon Johnson: You are going to be missed at Leek Town good luck Dicko in your new venture ⚪️🔴🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧⚽️