Career
He played as an inside forward. Atkinson was born in Carlisle, and began his football career with his local club, Carlisle United. He made his debut during the 1952-1953 season, and went on to make 128 appearances in senior competition.
Jointly with Alan Ashman, he was Carlisle"s top league scorer in 1955-1956 with 17 goals, and in 123 league matches for the club he scored 54 goals.
He left Carlisle in 1957 for a brief spell with Exeter City. Atkinson died in 1995.