The move was not as high profile as that of former Preston player David Becham who recently moved to the MLS but it was a difficult decision for Simpson to let the big man leave.
Dichio had been in impressive form earlier in the season but with huge competition for places up front Dichio was allowed to leave the club with immediate effect.
This now leaves Nugent, Ricketts, Ormerod and Mellor to contest the two starting places for the remainder of the season with Dave Hibbert out injured.