Dion Charles

Dion Elie R. Charles (born 7 October 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Accrington Stanley. Born in England, he represents the Northern Ireland national team.

Club Career

After rising through the youth ranks at Blackpool, Charles was named on the bench to face Barnsley during the 2013–14 campaign, remaining unused in the 1–0 victory at Bloomfield Road.

Preceding his release from Blackpool, Charles joined Conference North side AFC Fylde on a one-year deal. On 12 August 2014, Charles made his AFC Fylde debut in a 3–0 away defeat against Stalybridge Celtic, replacing Richie Allen in the 80th minute. Charles went on to score his first goal for Fylde in a 5–0 victory over Colwyn Bay. Charles went on to score three more times for Fylde before he joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Skelmersdale United on a one-month loan. On 15 August 2015, Charles opened his successful 2015–16 campaign by scoring both goals in a 2–2 draw against Gainsborough Trinity. On the same day, Charles signed a new two-year deal with Fylde, he also received a call-up for the England C contingency squad. On 23 January 2016, Charles registered his 10th league goal of the season, in a 3–2 home defeat against Worcester City.

On 11 July 2016, Charles joined League One side Fleetwood Town on a two-year deal. A day later, Charles' former club, AFC Fylde criticised Fleetwood Town, after they believed the player was still contracted to the National League North side. In September 2015, Fylde announced that Charles had signed a new two-year deal, however, The Football Association came out and announced that there was no evidence of this. This therefore, meant that Fleetwood were eligible to sign the Northern Irish player on a free transfer. On 9 November 2016, Charles made his Fleetwood Town debut in an EFL Trophy tie against Carlisle United, in which Fleetwood suffered a 4–2 defeat.

On 18 March 2017, Charles joined National League North side Halifax Town on loan until the end of