Dickens delighted with Hartley's leadership at Saints
Hartley came under fire after Saints' 50-21 Aviva Premiership defeat to Harlequins on December 30.
Former England players Lawrence Dallaglio and Austin Healey were scathing of the Saints skipper's performance at Twickenham.
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Hide AdBut he has since responded, helping his club to claim wins against Gloucester and Clermont Auvergne.
And Dickens said: "It (any criticism) is very unjust.
"Dylan's just an easy target and those that go for him need to have a look at themselves.
"We've always seen the value of Dylan here.
"He leads the players and he's a Northampton man.
"I've got nothing but admiration for him."