Born in Wordsley, Staffordshire, Dyson began his football career in the youth system at Birmingham City. In August 1999 he made his first-team debut in the League Cup away at Exeter City, and on 17 December he made his Football League debut, as a half-time substitute, replacing Darren Purse in the Division One match against Wolverhampton Wanderers which Birmingham lost 2–1.[2][3] A few days later he made another appearance off the bench.[2] Dyson broke his leg in a training-ground collision with Purse in 1999, a setback which eventually led to his release at the end of the 2000–01 season.[4]
Dyson had a trial at AFC Bournemouth in July 2001, which proved unsuccessful.[5] He joined Hednesford Town of the Southern League Premier Division in November 2001, and scored from the penalty spot on his debut,[6] but was released in February 2002 after failing to achieve regular first-team football.[7]
He joined Bromsgrove of the Southern League Western Division in August 2002, and again scored on debut,[8] but after 16 months with the club, he suffered a broken left tibia and fibula as the result of a 50–50 tackle. His manager described him as "a very popular boy and a very important player for us. He's an exceptional footballer and brings a thoughtfulness with everything he tries to do", but suggested that after twice breaking his leg he might be wise to consider his future in the game.[9]
Dyson resumed his competitive football career nearly three years later, when he joined Stourbridge of the Southern League Midlands Division in October 2006.[10] He played 14 games in all competitions in his first season with the club,[11] and appeared in the playoff final against Leamington through which they won promotion to the Premier Division.[12] In 2009, Dyson was part of the Stourbridge team that lost to former club Hednesford in the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup,[13] and helped the club defeat Football League club Plymouth Argyle to reach the second round proper of the 2011–12 FA Cup.[14]
