Ryan Anthony Dickson (born 14 December 1986) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for National League South side Torquay United. Dickson began his career at Plymouth Argyle, before moving to Brentford, Southampton, Colchester United, Crawley Town and Yeovil Town. He has appeared on loan for Torquay United on two occasions, Brentford, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and Bradford City.
Plymouth Argyle Born in Saltash, Cornwall, Dickson is a product of the Plymouth Argyle youth system, turning professional in May 2004. He made his league debut on 16 October 2004, as a second-half substitute for David Worrell in a 2–1 home defeat to Wigan Athletic. His first senior start came just three days later as Plymouth won on the road against Rotherham United.
Dickson made no first-team appearances through the 2005–06 season having struggled to overcome injury problems. In August 2006, he trained with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell with a view to a loan move, but the deal eventually fell through. He had to wait until 30 December 2006 for his next first-team experience with the Pilgrims, albeit as a substitute in the 90th minute against Derby County. He played his final league game for the club in his next match against Southampton, coming on in the 80th minute in a 1–1 draw on New Year's Day 2007.
Torquay United loans Dickson joined Torquay United on loan in January 2007, signing until the end of the season. Plymouth manager Ian Holloway explained that the loan spell would allow Dickson to increase his fitness before returning to Plymouth's squad for the following season. He made his Torquay debut the following day, playing in a 2–2 draw at home to Bury. He scored once in three games for the Gulls before returning to Plymouth with a hernia injury. However, on 22 March 2007, Dickson returned to Torquay on loan for a second stint until the end of the season, making five appearances.
Brentford Dickson initially joined Brentford on loan in November 2007, making his debut in a 2–0 home defeat by Darlington on 17 November. During his 10 loan matches with the Bees, Dickson impressed Brentford manager Andy Scott enough that he was offered a long-term contract by the club in January 2008.
