By:
Mark Hendry
Gary Dicker has linked up with Dean Smith with Charlotte FC’s first-team in the MLS.
The former Republic of Ireland under-21s star has been coaching in Charlotte since 2024.
He has been the club’s NEXT Pro coach with the second string.
However that was up until this week when he was confirmed as a first-team coach at the club.
Ex-Aston Villa and Leicester City manager Smith is heading up the MLS outfit.
And he was vital in taking Dicker to join his staff in the dugout for weekly fixtures in the US division.
Dicker becomes the club’s assistant head coach.
The 39-year-old takes over from ex-Foxes defender Christian Fuchs who departed.
Gary Dicker lands MLS assistant job alongside Dean Smith at Charlotte
The Austrian decided to leave Charlotte to become a manager in his own right with Newport County in the EFL’s League Two.
And the minute a spot opened up, Dicker’s name was floated.
Charlotte general manager, Zoran Krneta, explained why Dicker was the man for the role.
He told the club’s website: “Gary has acclimated really well within the organisation.
“He was a natural choice to move up into the senior team.
“He built a good rapport with the Crown Legacy players and the First Team coaching staff.
“Gary will still be a bridge between Crown Legacy and the first team while continuing to bring new energy and ideas to the squad.”
Dicker has been credited with helping a number of players develop and come through the ranks.
Jack Neeley was one who debuted in 2025 while Baye Coulibaly benefited from Dicker’s coaching and support.
Aron John, Emmanuel Uchegbu, Morrison Agyemang and Willian Sangoquiza are all training with the first-team in preparation for the 2026 season, the club confirmed.
How Dicker is suited for Charlotte assistant role
Dicker is a former Brighton and Hove Albion coach where he worked in numerous different positions.
After retiring as a combative midfield player himself it was his job to bring other youngsters through.
At the Amex he worked as the club’s under-23s coach while he played alongside the youngsters, too.
He would then move on to become professional development coach for the 18s age group.
Finally he would land the role of under-21s development phase coach before he swapped the Seagulls for the States.
During his playing career he turned out for multiple clubs in England and Scotland.
He was a star in the Scottish Premiership with Kilmarnock having joined from Carlisle in 2016.
He also played for the likes of Rochdale, Stockport County and Brighton among others.
Image credit: Charlotte FC
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