The one-time hero of Edgeley Park is back playing his best football, and is clearly a central figure in ambitious Wigan Athletic's Division Two promotion plans.
Dinning ran the show at Home Park and chipped in with two more important goals in a 3-1 win over Plymouth.
Wigan fans did not see the best of him when he was signed from Wolves midway through last term.
Great things were expected of Dinning in what was a mediocre Latics team and he admits to initially being unhappy.
Six months on, and a rejuvenated Dinning is looking to have his current contract extended.
He said: "I am very happy now and we are playing well."
This match at Plymouth was the first time since Paul Jewell took charge as manager that Wigan had come from behind to win.
The industrious Dinning carved out a bagful of chances for his team-mates - and Wigan's convincing win could and should have been far greater.
Nathan Duke Ellington, who continues to interest a host of Premiership clubs, including Everton, chipped in with the third goal towards the end.
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