Career
He played as a wing half. Dykes was born in Ashby by Partney, Lincolnshire, and began his football career with village club Metheringham. He signed for Lincoln City of the Third Division North, having been spotted when he played in a charity match against them during the 1948-1949 season.
He also attracted an offer from Second Division Leicester City.
He made his senior debut in August 1949, and went on to play 101 matches, scoring four times, in all competitions. Dykes moved into non-league football with Boston United in 1959.
In the first of his two seasons with the club, he played 53 matches in all competitions.