Bill Atkinson

Who is Bill Atkinson?

William "Bill" Atkinson was an English professional footballer, playing as a winger. He was born in Sunderland.

Atkinson began his professional football career as an apprentice at Birmingham City, turning professional in March 1962. He remained at St. Andrews for a further 2 years, but failed to make a single first team appearance.

In June 1964 he moved to Torquay United, scoring on his league debut on 12 September 1964 in a 2-2 draw against Stockport County at Plainmoor. Despite this start to his Torquay career he was soon out of the team again, although did have a good run in the first team later in the season after replacing Peter Anderson in the side.

In 1966, after only 19 league appearances, in which he scored 7 goals, Atkinson returned to the Midlands, joining non-league side Nuneaton Borough. He retired from Non League Football in 1974 – the last Club he played for was Redditch.

Atkinson started refereeing throughout the Midlands in 1982 for local clubs, also involved with assessing for the B.C.F.A. of which he was a member for 20 years.

For 20 years, during summer months he played cricket for local club Ambleside and Ansley, and later umpired for local clubs in the Midlands area.