Career
After 141 appearances he lost his first team place in 1996 and was loaned to Carlisle United. Later in the year he joined, where he remained until his retirement from professional football in 2002. His 13-year playing career brought almost 400 league and cup appearances and 6 England caps at under-21 level
He made his debut coming on as a substitute for Mark Blake in a friendly against Wales on 5 December 1991 at Prenton Park.
Atkinson had a brief spell working for "s Centre of Excellence before spending five seasons as assistant manager of Northern League Division One club Newton Aycliffe. He was appointed assistant manager at Spennymoor Town in February 2012, and took up the corresponding role at 1883 three months later.