Albion promotion-winner-turned-coach Gary Dicker is heading to the USA.

The former midfielder will join the coaching staff at MLS side Charlotte FC.

He has been a big part of the Albion academy coaching set-up over the last three years after returning to the club he helped reach the Championship as a player.

Dicker played for the under-23s as an over-age team member and has coached both that age group and the under-18s.

He toldbrightonandhovealbion.com: “I’ve had a brilliant three years since I’ve come back to the club.

“I’ve had amazing support from the academy and the club as I’ve transitioned from a player to a coach.

“I want to say a big thank you to Tony Bloom and Paul Barber for bringing me back to the club, and also to David Weir and Ian Buckman for all their support.

“I have had the opportunity to work with some great people, in particular Shannon Ruth and before that Andrew Crofts.

“This chance to go to America though is a really exciting one for me and my family, but it wouldn’t have come about without the Albion and the coaching education that they’ve given me.”

As a play-making midfielder, Dicker was a key member of Gus Poyet’s team which won League One during the final Withdean year in 2010-11 before adapting smoothly to life in the Championship at the Amex.