Professional Soccer Player. Born in Alton, he was recommended to Portsmouth Football Club by Eddie Lever, who taught him sport and mathematics. The Second World War, during which he served for three years in the Royal Navy, delayed the start of his career, but he made his debut in 1946 against Blackburn Rovers, wearing the No. 6 shirt. He remained with Portsmouth for the whole of his career and appeared for them in 764 league matches. This record stood until 1980, when John Trollope of Swindon Town made his 770th appearance for that club. Dickinson played for England 48 times, more than any other Portsmouth player. In all his games for club and country, he was never once sent off or cautioned. In 1964, he was made a Member of the British Empire; and, the following year, on his fortieth birthday, he played his last game, against Northampton Town. This was an emotional occasion, as Portsmouth needed to draw to avoid relegation and, with only six minutes to go, were losing 1-0, but an own goal by one of the Northampton players levelled the score. After his retirement, he remained at Portsmouth; firstly as their Public Relations Officer, then as their secretary. In May 1977, he became their manager, but was forced to retire two years later after suffering three heart attacks. Following his early death, his funeral service was held at St. Mary's Church in Portsmouth. He was then cremated and his ashes spread in the cemetery at Alton.
Professional Soccer Player. Born in Alton, he was recommended to Portsmouth Football Club by Eddie Lever, who taught him sport and mathematics. The Second World War, during which he served for three years in the Royal Navy, delayed the start of his career, but he made his debut in 1946 against Blackburn Rovers, wearing the No. 6 shirt. He remained with Portsmouth for the whole of his career and appeared for them in 764 league matches. This record stood until 1980, when John Trollope of Swindon Town made his 770th appearance for that club. Dickinson played for England 48 times, more than any other Portsmouth player. In all his games for club and country, he was never once sent off or cautioned. In 1964, he was made a Member of the British Empire; and, the following year, on his fortieth birthday, he played his last game, against Northampton Town. This was an emotional occasion, as Portsmouth needed to draw to avoid relegation and, with only six minutes to go, were losing 1-0, but an own goal by one of the Northampton players levelled the score. After his retirement, he remained at Portsmouth; firstly as their Public Relations Officer, then as their secretary. In May 1977, he became their manager, but was forced to retire two years later after suffering three heart attacks. Following his early death, his funeral service was held at St. Mary's Church in Portsmouth. He was then cremated and his ashes spread in the cemetery at Alton.
Bio by: Iain MacFarlaine
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