Born in Ellesmere Port, Dave started his playing career with Everton and after brief spells with Aston Villa and Huddersfield Town returned to Goodison in August 1957 before making the short journey across Stanley Park to join Liverpool in November 1959.
In some ways it was a surprising transfer as Dave had just passed his 30th birthday but he had a reputation as a courageous centre-forward who was perhaps bought by manager Phil Taylor as the man whose goals would finally take Liverpool back into the First Division.
Hickson scored twice on his debut against Aston Villa but Taylor resigned only days later. However, the big centre-forward immediately found favour with new manager Bill Shankly and scored 21 times in 27 games as the club again just missed out on promotion.
Another 3rd place followed in 1961 but again Hickson's scoring record was good, 16 from 33 League matches. But the signing of Ian St. John effectively ended Dave's Liverpool career and he moved to Bury in January 1962 before finishing his career as a player with Tranmere Rovers.
