Gary Dicker probably speaks to Steve Clarke more now than he did when he was a player. But silence was golden for the Irishman during two years at Kilmarnock with the Scotland gaffer. What he learned from Clarke at Rugby Park, he is now trying to take into his own coaching career.
Reunion in North Carolina
The pair were reunited this week in North Carolina at the Scots' World Cup base-camp. Clarke and his squad are using the facilities at Atrium Health and Performance Park, the training ground for MLS side Charlotte FC. Ex-Killie midfielder Dicker is assistant boss to Englishman Dean Smith, while Clarke's old St Mirren team-mate Tommy Wilson is technical director.
Dicker loved playing under the Scotland boss from 2019 to 2021, even though Clarke was a man of few words. He said: "Steve will probably tell you himself that he didn't speak to anyone for the first six months when he came to Kilmarnock. I don't know if he was in shock or if he just didn't like us!"
Trust and Togetherness
Dicker added: "He was one of the very few people I rang for advice when the chance came for me to move to Charlotte. He told me to go for it. Is he someone I'd speak to every week? No. Any player will tell you he's not the type to throw the doors of his house open to you or to let you into his inner circle. But when he trusts you, it definitely lasts. And that's the one big strength I see in this Scotland squad, the trust between the players and their coach."
As an Ireland fan, Dicker admires Clarke's ability to create unity. "I can't believe when I read people in Scotland moaning about Steve and wanting a change. Because it's so difficult at this level to get togetherness. You're scratching around for that feeling, you're desperate for it. So to create it the way Steve does is special. To do it with a national team when the whole country's on you all the time? That ain't easy, believe me."
Clarke's Management Style
Dicker reflected on Clarke's methods: "People ask what his secret was at Kilmarnock but I'd love to know because I'd be using it here now! He's just himself. He keeps the game simple and knows how to get the best out of people. He's not in the middle every day. You'll find him in the shadows but when he steps in, he gets things right. He was always crystal clear in what he was asking you to do. You don't need to say a lot to good players. They don't need to be told twice. Steve will rarely rant and rave but if he does, you'll know about it. He's been in the game a long time but his greatest asset is having two eyes and two ears. He watches, he listens and makes things better. Maybe he doesn't show a lot of love or maybe it's a different kind of love. But he values people who are hard working, good people. And you've got to be able to play a bit as well."
Dicker's Coaching Journey
At 34, Dicker returned to another one of his former clubs, Brighton, as their Under-23's coach, but also as an eligible over-age player for their youth side. At the AMEX, he spent time with Billy Gilmour, so he is disappointed the Napoli midfielder was ruled out of the World Cup with injury. Dicker will be supporting the Scots in the States but warned it won't be easy for Clarke's side.
He said: "I'm gutted for Billy, it's such a shame that he's out. I just hope he'll get another chance. I was at Brighton with him for a while and he was one of our best players. I wish him all the best in getting back out there and showing everyone what he can do. Touch wood, he gets on this stage again. I'll be cheering for Scotland at the World Cup but my wife and kids give me stick because they're supporting England! I really hope all the Scottish fans get tickets. I know from Ireland being in finals that it takes over a country. It gives kids memories and the emotions of being at a World Cup are incredible. Haiti will be a difficult opening game, though. I just hope Scotland get a win because the way it's set up, it could get you through."
