Carl Dickinson
#31
Left back, Left wing, Centre back, Centre midfield
d.o.b:31/03/87
Signed/Sold:Academy/July 2011
Games this season: 0
Goals this season: 0
Total club games: 39/21
Total club goals: 0
Academy youth graduate made his debut when he played the final 2 minutes of a home game v Coventry in the 2004/5 season.
Very versatile player who can play defence or midfield, on the left and down the middle and someone who possesses a bullet like shot and accurate crosses aswell as full bloodied, committed tackles.
Had bad luck after that with injuries including an ankle break in pre-season training for the 2005/6 season that stopped his progress into the first team.
This didn't stop him playing 5 games at left back at the end of that season and was twice man of the match including his full debut.
Carried that into the following season and after a three month spell at Blackpool where he earned rave reviews he returned to challenge Andy Griffin for the left back spot and was preferred to him for the vital clash away at Cardiff as the seasons finale closed in.
Saw himself progress immensely in 2007/8, earning rave reviews as he dipped in and out of the team but managed to give a good account in every appearance he made. Even though he likes a tackle and never thinks twice about sliding in he only picked up 3 bookings in 30 games.
Pace is tested at the top level but commitment and pride will be there or all to see.
Started the season well, setting up Fuller with a great cross after coming on at Bolton but after being one of the last to lose his 100% appearance record for the season he fell out of favour and, after a loan spell at Leeds and a rare appearance away at Arsenal on the last day, was sent out on loan to Barsnley for 2009/10, to gain regular matchday experience.
That loan spell saw him become a firm fans favourite, like everywhere he has played and in the summer of 2010, he again moved out on loan, joining Portsmouth for the 2010/11 season.
Wasn't at his best during his time with Pompey and was in and out of the side. He wouldn't be seen in a Stoke shirt again after securing a permanent move away but the players celebrations after winning promotion will forever remain one of the iconic images of that historic day.