Jack Atkinson
Jack Atkinson was born in New Washington, County Durham, and was spotted by Bolton playing for Washington Colliery. He was immediately snapped up by the Wanderers but was allowed to remain playing for his old club in a forward position to speed him up. Although he had been signed for nothing, Bolton made a number of donations to the Colliery club's funds. It was in August 1931 that he came to Burnden Park, graduating through the Lancashire Combination and Central League sides at centre-half. His chance came towards the end of the 1932-3 season, after the departure of Tom Griffiths to Middlesborough, and three appearances were enough to win a regular spot from then on. He became the defensive kingpin of the side and was unlucky to gain international recognition. Many of his best years were lost due to war, during which he gusted for Everton and Blackpool, as well as his regular club. After the war Atkinson managed only one full season before losing his position to Lol Hamlett. In April 1948 he was given a free transfer. A month later he became player-manager at New Brighton before retiring from the game to take over a licensed house in Bolton. |
