The Imps have unveiled the latest addition to this season’s playing squad by bringing Reading defender Rob Dickie in on a season-long loan.
Dickie (21) has previously had spells at Basingstoke and Cheltenham, and it is with the Whaddon Road club that he has caught the eye. In his first spell there he scored on his debut against Barrow and helped them to the National League title, making 27 appearances. He even managed a hat trick in the FA Trophy against Chelmsford Town. After suffering an injury he returned to Reading but was back helping the Robins in the final day victory over us. He even managed to squeeze in 45 Championship minutes the following week for Reading away at Blackburn.
He was back with the Robins the following season, again on the score sheet on his debut in a 2-0 win against Crewe. He went on to make another 26 appearances as they finished fourth from bottom of League Two. He didn’t have a settled campaign though as James Young of Gloucestershire live explained to www.getreading.co.uk:
“The manager (Gary Johnson) has struggled to get him in to a position and the team is still trying to settle down. But Rob has looked solid and has done well. He started as a right back then a wing back and he has also played at right-back in a back four. He played in central midfield in one game as well.”
It seems this season that Reading fancy a change of scenery for the player, perhaps hoping for a solid run in one position. Having loaned us Sean Long last campaign they are entrusting us with Rob Dickie.
Dickie becomes the fourth recognised centre back a the club, five if the versatile Michael Bostwick is included. However, Callum Howe is almost certain to now head out on loan. There is some discussion as to why we need to bring a player in and immediately loan one out in the same position. I’ve chatted to a source at the club, and they’ve revealed that Callum’s lack of game time last season was seen as a hinderance to his progress. Dickie and Howe would both be fighting for a first team spot with our usual pairing of Luke Waterfall and Sean Raggett, but whilst Dickie has two full seasons behind him, Howe does not. Therefore it is important for Callum’s development that he goes out and gets 30 games under his belt, possibly in the National League where he excelled with Southport.
Dickie has England under 18 and under 19 caps, and is highly rated by Jaap Stam at the Madejski Stadium. After the disruption of last season they’re doubtless looking for him to get some consistency this time around, although his apparent versatility could be an option if we find ourselves down to the bare bones.