He and the club endured a difficult 2016–17 campaign, which Dickinson said was the most "mentally challenging" of his career after the "Magpies" faced a change of ownership, manager and an unexpected relegation battle. He had expected to help lead a promotion charge under manager John Sheridan, but ended the season at Meadow Lane fighting on-loan Arsenal defender Marc Bola for the left-back spot under new boss Kevin Nolan.
In 2016–17, Dickinson and his club endured a difficult campaign marked by significant changes: ownership, management, and relegation. He had hoped to contribute to a promotion push under manager John Sheridan but ended up battling for the left-back position with Marc Bola under new boss Kevin Nolan at Meadow Lane.