 During the 1981–1982 season he was Doncaster Rovers' top scorer with eight in all competitions.His home team Chesterfield signed Dawson in 1983 on a series of monthly contracts to help dig them out of a hole.The club's circumstances at the time made it difficult for Richard to make a good go of it and he signed for Scarborough in December 1982

After ending his playing career in 1988 Dick became a HGV truck driver, During the 90's he drove for the same firm as former Sunderland legend Joe Bolton and Sheffield United goal machine Keith Edwards.