How long has dicko been playing for
AB
Too long in the eyes of some.
PARSLEY SLAMS KEEPER DICKINSON (June 16, 2009)
by James Grayson
Boss Neil Parsley has branded Steve Dickinson a “coward” after the experienced keeper reneged on a deal to join the Celts and signed for Lee Sinnott’s Bradford (Park Avenue).
Terms were agreed and Dickinson was due at Throstle Nest last week to sign forms but failed to appear and Parsley has been unable to contact him. .
Parsley is deeply hurt by the charade as he has known Dickinson and his family for a number of years.
“On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of last week, I tried to speak to Steve but he was blanking my calls,” a fuming Parsley said.
“I then sent text messages and he also blanked them.
“I think after 14 years of friendship, to not return calls is an act of a coward.
“I know Steve’s parents really well, I know his wife’s parents really well along with his wife through their associations with Guiseley Football Club.
“I think Steve has let them all down because the way he has conducted himself is an absolute disgrace.
“I’m really disappointed with him and I think he is a coward.”
Parsley thought he had secured his man but interest from another club, tempted Dickinson to look elsewhere.
“Three weeks ago Steve came down here (Throstle Nest) and met me and Jacko (Mark Jackson),” he said.
“I knew what Steve was all about already as it was 14 years ago when our paths first crossed.
“We discussed what the club had gone through last year and also what was happening this summer and my plans for next year, which Steve Dickinson was very part of.
“Steve seemed really keen and we agreed a financial package and shook hands over it.
“Then the week before last, the weekend of the 5th June, I got wind of another interest from another club, as it turned it was Bradford (Park Avenue).
“I phoned Steve Dickinson on the 5th and he assured me that although he had an approach from BPA, it didn’t interest him because he wanted to play at the highest standard possible.
“He then said he would come down on Monday and sign.
“I then got a call from Dominic Krief to say that Steve had told him that he wouldn’t be signing.”
Dickinson was Alfreton Town’s star man when The Reds visited the Nest in April and Parsley was keen to snap up his signature.
He started his non-league career at Guiseley with Parsley and after impressive displays; Southport signed him back in 1999.
When Guiseley were taken over three millionaires in 2006, Parsley took Dickinson back to Nethermoor.
Although disappointed to miss out on his man, Parsley has no problem with Park Avenue.
“I have no axe to grind with Bradford (Park Avenue),” Parsley added.
“Lee Sinnott and John Deacey are looking after the interests of BPA and they have a very good goalkeeper.”
