![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc4139_a44f9fa192f04727bfd1b9ce34b1ff2a~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_147,h_76,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/bc4139_a44f9fa192f04727bfd1b9ce34b1ff2a~mv2.jpeg)
Lee Johnson has spoken out about Elliott Dickman's departure for local rivals Newcastle United, this ends his more than quarter of a century on Wearside as a player, coach and backroom staff.
"On a personal level, I’m disappointed. I’ve really enjoyed working with Elliott. He’s a really good guy, and he’s been part of the furniture here for 26 years. He’s passionate about developing players, so I can understand that he’s got suitors. He’s obviously made the decision he feels is right for his family, and was probably across a number of reasonings. We’re disappointed in one sense because it’s the local rivals. Had it been Man United who took him, it might not have been such a bitter pill to swallow. But at the same time, we’re really grateful for his efforts and hard work and wish him all the best in the future. He’ll always be welcome back."