Liam Dickinson's story is a remarkable one. In 2002, at the age of 16, he was released by Blackburn Rovers and then gave up the game for a number of years before finally deciding to put his boots on again at the start of this season, playing for Trafford in the North West Counties league. A string of fine performances led to a move to Unibond outfit Woodley, where he was spotted by Stockport boss Jim Gannon who duly offered the 6ft 4in striker a contract until the end of the campaign. Despite starting only two games for County thus far, Dickinson has already found the net five times and his muscular performances have led to a long list of Championships scouts rushing to Edgeley Park to follow his progress. Dickinson, another young player being guided by the PFA's agency, shared his thoughts with givemefootball's Mark Shail.
Q:YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THE START TO YOUR STOCKPORT CAREER?
A:Yes, things have gone really well and I've managed to score a few goals, which is great. Scoring twice against Chester was a great experience and I just hope I can keep it up.
Q:YOU WEREN'T INVOLVED IN THE 2-2 DRAW AT BRISTOL ROVERS AT THE WEEKEND, WHY WAS THAT?
A:Unfortunately I cut my head against Rochdale in midweek and it required a few stitches so the doctors wanted me to rest this weekend. It was frustrating for me because I was hoping to start the game on Saturday, but hopefully I'll be back in action next Saturday. The physio has told me I can return to training tomorrow so there shouldn't be any problems.
Q:YOU MUST BE THRILLED TO BE BACK IN THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE?
A:To be honest I didn't think this opportunity would come again so I intend to make the most of it. I only really took up football again at the start of the season and things have just developed so quickly – I haven't really had to time to pinch myself.
Q:IS THERE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE STANDARD YOU ARE COMPETING AT NOW COMPARED TO THE UNIBOND FIRST DIVISION?
A:Very much so. The players are much more skilful and the tempo of the game is that much quicker in League Two. The levels of fitness are much greater as well and that's an area of my game I'm trying to work on all the time. Since I've been out with this cut, I haven't trained with the rest of the squad but I've been able to do plenty of running, trying to build up my stamina.
Q:HOW HAVE YOU FITTED IN WITH THE REST OF THE PLAYERS AT STOCKPORT?
A:They've been really great and have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. I think most football clubs are like that and the County lads are a close-knit bunch who love to have a good crack. But when it's time to train they put the fun to one side and work very hard.
Q:IS IT TRUE THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CHAMPIONSHIP CLUBS WATCHING YOU ALREADY?
A:I am not aware of any, If that is the case I would obviously be flattered, but my main focus is in helping Stockport stay in the league.
