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Ron Atkinson
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Ronald Frederick Atkinson (born 18 March 1939) is an English former football player and manager. Nicknamed "Big Ron",[2][3] he was regarded as one of Britain's best-known football pundits in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Key Information

Nicknamed "The Tank" during his playing career, he represented Oxford United for twelve years, and still holds the club record for appearances.[4] As a manager, he won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 and 1985 and the Football League Cup with Sheffield Wednesday in 1991 and Aston Villa in 1994.

Early life and playing career

[edit]

Atkinson was born in Liverpool in the Old Swan area of the city with his brother Graham Atkinson who was also a professional footballer. After a few years his family moved to Shard End (then in Warwickshire, now an area of Birmingham).[5] He attended Lea Village Secondary School.[6] After beginning his career as a ground staff boy at Wolverhampton Wanderers,[7] he was signed by Aston Villa from works team BSA Tools at the age of 17, but never played a first-team match for them.[8] He has referred to then Villa coach Jimmy Hogan as his biggest influence.[9]

Atkinson was transferred to Headington United (renamed Oxford United in 1960) in the summer of 1959 on a free transfer. There he played alongside his younger brother Graham. He went on to make over 500 appearances in all competitions as a wing-half for the club, earning, in his playing days the nickname: "The Tank", and scoring a total of fourteen goals. He was United's captain through their rise from the Southern League to the Second Division, achieved in only six years from 1962 to 1968. He was the first ever footballer to captain a club from the Southern League through three divisions of the Football League and played three seasons in the Second Division.

Managerial career

[edit]
Atkinson in 2007.

Kettering Town and Cambridge United

[edit]

After retiring from playing, Atkinson became manager player of non-league Kettering Town in 1971, aged only 32. His success there led to a move to the league with Cambridge United, in November 1974, going on to win the Fourth Division in 1977 and leaving them when they were on the verge of promotion to the Second Division, which they later achieved that season under Atkinson's assistant John Docherty.

West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

In January 1978, Atkinson moved to manage First Division West Bromwich Albion. He soon signed Brendon Batson from his former club, to play alongside Laurie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis. Never before had a team in the top division of English football simultaneously fielded three black players on a regular basis.

Atkinson led West Bromwich Albion to third place in the league in the season 1978–79 and also to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals. On 30 December 1978, they achieved a famous 5–3 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The club were second in the table at the time, only beaten off top spot from Liverpool by goal difference. They finished fourth in 1981, and shortly after this Atkinson was appointed the manager of Manchester United following the dismissal of Dave Sexton.

Manchester United

[edit]

Atkinson was seen as the man who could bring the spark to Manchester United that had been so sorely lacking under his predecessor. Sexton had taken them to second place in the league in 1980 but did not win a major trophy in his four years at the club. United had finished eighth in the season before Atkinson's appointment, and Atkinson had actually missed out of the chance of overseeing a UEFA Cup campaign by departing from Albion and taking over at United.

In the 1981–82 season, United finished third in the First Division, to qualify for the UEFA Cup, though for much of the season they were one of several teams who topped the table before a late surge from Liverpool saw Bob Paisley's team seal the title. Early in the season he had paid a national record £1.5 million for Bryan Robson from his old club West Bromwich Albion, and shortly afterwards also added midfielder Remi Moses, also from West Brom, and Arsenal striker Frank Stapleton to his ranks. He also gave a debut to promising young forward Norman Whiteside in April 1982, just before the player's 17th birthday.[citation needed]

In the 1982–83 season, two appearances at Wembley, one of which was an FA Cup victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, coupled with another third-place finish in the league, fuelled speculation that United were back in a big way. During the first half of the season, they had topped the league more than once but a storming run of form by Liverpool beginning before Christmas meant that the title headed for Anfield for the second year running. 1982–83 also saw the breakthrough of Whiteside as one of the best performing players in the First Division. Whiteside was also on the scoresheet for the FA Cup final replay as United beat Brighton 4–0 after drawing the first game 2–2.

In the 1983–84 season, Atkinson's side reached the semi-finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup although their defence of the FA Cup ended at the first hurdle with a shock 2–0 defeat at Third Division team AFC Bournemouth. They finished fourth in the league, having topped the table at several stages once again, before injuries to key players counted against them and they dropped points. The end of the season saw the sale of key midfielder Ray Wilkins to A.C. Milan of Italy for £1.5 million, while the duration of the season had seen the breakthrough of young striker Mark Hughes. Rather than plunge into the transfer market for a big name, Atkinson shifted Norman Whiteside into midfield to fill the gap left by Wilkins and allowed Hughes to form a partnership with the experienced Frank Stapleton.

In the 1984–85 season, United again won the FA Cup. However, Atkinson and his team were denied the chance of another European Cup Winners Cup campaign as the Heysel disaster at the European Cup final that year resulted in an indefinite ban from European competitions for all English clubs.

In the 1985–86 season, they won their first ten games of the league season and were unbeaten after their first fifteen games to build a comfortable lead at the top of the table that lasted into the new year. However, their form tailed off badly and they again finished fourth, with Liverpool finishing the season as league champions. With the ban on English clubs in European competitions continuing, there was not even the consolation of a UEFA Cup place. United's title chances were not helped by the fact that captain Bryan Robson was only available for half of United's league games due to injuries.

There was more disappointment for United's fans when the sale of Mark Hughes to Spanish club Barcelona was announced at the end of the season. Atkinson had prepared for Hughes' departure in March 1986 by paying Nottingham Forest £570,000 for England striker Peter Davenport. Although Davenport was their top scorer in the 1986–87 season, he failed to achieve the same success as Hughes and was not a popular figure among fans.[citation needed]

Despite media speculation that Atkinson would be sacked in favour of Aberdeen manager Alex Ferguson or Barcelona manager Terry Venables, the 1986–87 season began with Atkinson still at the helm. His two FA Cup wins and five successive top four league finishes had made him the most successful United manager since Matt Busby, but the pressure to build on the earlier successes was becoming more intense than ever. The 1986–87 season began poorly with three successive defeats, and despite a minor upturn in September and October which included a 5–1 home win over Southampton in the league, the pressure on Atkinson remained intense and the board finally ran out of patience on 6 November 1986 when he was dismissed as manager two days after a 4–1 exit at the hands of Southampton in the League Cup. United were still in the bottom four of the First Division with a third of the season already gone.

Return to West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

Atkinson returned to West Brom in the autumn of 1987, by which time they had fallen into the Second Division and were battling against relegation to the Third Division. Survival was achieved, as Albion finished the 1987–88 season in 20th place, and they began the 1988–89 season well, looking like serious promotion contenders.

Atlético Madrid

[edit]

Following his time at Manchester United, Atkinson was due to take charge of Atlético Madrid, however internal politics at Atlético delayed his appointment, with Atkinson returning to manage West Brom in the meantime.[10] In October 1988, Atkinson was finally appointed manager of Atlético Madrid, winning his first game in charge 6–1 against Espanyol.[11]

Atkinson's tenure at Atlético was quite a turbulent one and despite relative moderate success in terms of league position, a clash of personalities with the then-owner of the club, Jesús Gil, led to Atkinson being sacked after just three months as manager. His right-hand man at West Bromwich Albion, Colin Addison, was appointed, much to the disdain of Atkinson, who went on record in the English media as saying Addison had "stabbed him in the back". The pair never worked together again following the events at Atlético.

Sheffield Wednesday

[edit]

Atkinson went on to manage Sheffield Wednesday from February 1989 to June 1991. Although the club were relegated to the Second Division in May 1990 after a 3–0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest, Atkinson secured promotion back to the First Division the following season. They also won the League Cup that year, beating Manchester United 1–0 at Wembley. On 31 May 1991 Atkinson stated he would be remaining as Wednesday's manager, only to leave for Aston Villa a week later, a move that upset many Sheffield Wednesday fans.

Aston Villa

[edit]

Taking over from Jozef Venglos, Atkinson led Aston Villa to second place in the inaugural FA Premier League season in 1992–93 and to victory in the League Cup in 1994, securing (ultimately short-lived) UEFA Cup campaigns for both of these successes. As of 2025, Atkinson's second place remains the highest-ever finish by an English manager in the Premier League, subsequently equalled by Kevin Keegan in 1995–96.

Despite leading Villa to their first major success since their 1982 European Cup triumph, a mutual dislike between Villa chairman Doug Ellis and Atkinson that developed from 1992, inevitably resulted in him being sacked on 10 November 1994 following a 4–3 defeat at the hands of Wimbledon – three days after Ellis had given Atkinson a "vote of confidence" in the media, stating that Atkinson was one of England's "top three football managers". By this stage, an ageing Villa side that had so nearly won the league title 18 months earlier were now among the relegation battlers. He was replaced by Brian Little, who kept Villa in the top flight and built a new younger team.

Coventry City

[edit]

Three months after being sacked by Villa, Atkinson became manager at Coventry City replacing Phil Neal, who was purposely and acrimoniously sacked to make way for him. He took over in mid-February 1995, with the Sky Blues just above the Premier League relegation zone.[12] His new team managed some good results, including a 4–2 home win over local rivals Leicester City, a 3–2 away win over Liverpool and a point against a Blackburn Rovers side who ended the season as champions.[13] With survival looking certain several games before the season ended, Atkinson was named Premier League Manager of the Month for March 1995. The penultimate game of the season brought another fine result when the Sky Blues travelled to North London and beat Tottenham Hotspur 3–1.[14] Survival was finally confirmed as Atkinson guided the Sky Blues to a 16th-place finish.[15]

In December 1995, Atkinson guided the Sky Blues to one of their best results of the 1990s, a 5–0 home win over defending champions Blackburn Rovers.[16] During his spell as manager of Coventry, he brought in high-profile players including Gordon Strachan, Noel Whelan and Gary McAllister (although in his autobiography he states that this latter signing was Strachan's initiative and he was opposed for tactical reasons) but they continued to struggle in the Premier League and in November 1996 he became Director of Football, handing over managerial duties to Strachan, who by then had retired as a player and had become assistant manager.

Return to Sheffield Wednesday

[edit]

In November 1997, he returned to Sheffield Wednesday following the sacking of David Pleat. Wednesday had made a poor start to the 1997–98 season, including a 7–2 loss at Blackburn and a 6–1 loss at Manchester United. Under Atkinson, Wednesday's form picked up immediately and they pulled well clear of relegation trouble, but he was not offered a permanent contract and left the club at the end of the season.

Nottingham Forest

[edit]

Atkinson's last managerial job came with Nottingham Forest, for the final four months of the 1998–99 season. This spell was not a success and at his first home game against Arsenal he even climbed into the wrong dug-out.[17] He also angered a number of Forest fans following an 8–1 defeat at home to Manchester United when he stated in an interview after the game that his team had given the fans a "nine-goal thriller".[18]

Atkinson took over as manager on 11 January 1999[19] and Forest's relegation was confirmed on 24 April with a 2–0 defeat at his old club Aston Villa. He announced his resignation as manager within hours of the final whistle, with effect from the final game of the league season on 16 May and said that he would be retiring from football management altogether.[20]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

TV work

[edit]

Atkinson was already working as a pundit for ITV Sport and after leaving management he continued in this role. For a number of years, he covered most of the channel's live matches, sometimes as a studio guest, but more often as the "ex-football insider" member of a two-man commentary team. His commentaries with Brian Moore and then Clive Tyldesley provided the basis for the 1990s and early-2000s ITV Champions League nights. He was also the main co-commentator for ITV's coverage of the European Championships and the World Cup during this period. He also fronted two series of Extra Time with Ron Atkinson for Central Television, with Ron interviewing football personalities like Kevin Keegan, Terry Venables and Martin O'Neill.

In 1997, he appeared as manager of Harchester United in Dream Team.

In August 2013, Atkinson became a housemate on the twelfth series of Celebrity Big Brother. He was the second housemate to be evicted on Day 9 after receiving the fewest votes to save him against Charlotte Crosby, Courtney Stodden, Lauren Harries and Louie Spence.

Music

[edit]

In 2002, Atkinson released a Christmas song, "It's Christmas – Let's Give Love a Try",[21] but this failed to gain chart success. The following year, Atkinson was a guest on an episode of TV chat show Room 101 and host Paul Merton played the video as an outro to the show.

Racist comments

[edit]

Following his sacking from Atlético Madrid, club president Jesús Gil claimed Atkinson had racially abused his own player, Donato, during his final game in charge of the club against Barcelona in January 1989.[10]

Atkinson resigned from ITV on 21 April 2004, after he made a racist comment live on air about the black Chelsea player Marcel Desailly; believing the microphone to be switched off, he said, "...he [Desailly] is what is known in some schools as a fucking lazy, thick nigger". Although transmission in the UK had finished, the microphone gaffe meant that his comment was broadcast to various countries in the Middle East.[22] He also left his job as a columnist for The Guardian "by mutual agreement" as a result of the comment.[23][24]

Carlton Palmer, one of Atkinson's players while he was manager at Sheffield Wednesday, defended Atkinson by saying, "I'm black and I'm sitting here and I'm gonna stand up for Big Ron not because he's a friend of mine; I'm standing up for him because I know what he's like as a bloke. If we're going to deal with racism then let's deal with the bigger picture of racism not about a throwaway comment that wasn't meant in that manner."[25] A BBC Radio documentary about Batson, Cunningham and Regis, entitled Three Degrees West, repeated on 16 May 2004, was cancelled owing to Atkinson's central contributions.

Also in 2004, Atkinson said to an audience at Hillsborough Stadium: "The Chinese people have the best contraception in the world - their women are so ugly. I can't understand why there are so many of them."[26]

On Celebrity Big Brother in 2013, he jokingly asked fellow contestant, Irish doctor Danielle Marr, "you're not carrying a bomb with you, are you?", when she draped her jumper over her head like a headscarf.[27][28]

Other TV work

[edit]

It was reported Atkinson was being brought in to support Iffy Onuora at Swindon Town in December 2005, and Atkinson and the club appeared to confirm this. It later transpired that Atkinson's role was as part of a Sky One documentary about the club being filmed at the County Ground.[29] In late January 2006, Atkinson and Swindon Town parted company, with Swindon manager Onuora citing interference as the main reason for stopping the documentary from going ahead. Just a week later the cameras turned up at Peterborough United's ground, London Road, to begin filming for the documentary called Big Ron Manager. Peterborough were paid £100,000 to allow the filming to take place.[30]

Atkinson spent the 2006 World Cup recording an amateur video blog and distributing it through the UK-based video sharing site SelfcastTV.com. He also provided commentary on the World Cup for the UK digital channel UKTV G2.

In 2006, Atkinson took part in the BBC Two programme Excuse My French.[31] Atkinson, comedian Marcus Brigstocke and television presenter Esther Rantzen were immersed in the French language by staying in a remote town in the Provence region, being compelled to adapt to the French lifestyle and speak the language. His assignment at the end of the course was to provide a match analysis on a football match (Paris Saint-Germain – Monaco) in French for a French radio station.

He briefly made a return to television, appearing as a pundit on Football Italia broadcast on Bravo.[32] He left the programme when Bravo lost the broadcast rights to Italian football.

Atkinson returned to the screen on 16 August 2009 on the Channel 4 reality show Celebrity Wife Swap. When questioned about his controversial comments by swappee Tessa Sanderson, he refused to discuss it.

Atkinson brought out an autobiography 60 Minutes with Ron Atkinson, in which he talks about his controversial comments and his football career.

Atkinson is currently a pundit on William Hill's The Punt podcast and on Manchester United's channel MUTV.[33] In October 2019, he made a return to broadcasting, commentating on the six-a-side World Cup final in Crete, alongside UK commentator John Gwynne.[34]

Director of football

[edit]

On 23 January 2007, Atkinson returned to Kettering Town, the club he had managed more than thirty years previously, as director of football.[35] It was announced on 19 April 2007 that he had left the post at the Conference North club following his disapproval over the sacking of manager Morell Maison.[36]

Leisure Leagues

[edit]

In December 2018, Atkinson was announced as an ambassador for worldwide six-a-side football firm Leisure Leagues;[37] as part of the deal, he was to act as Director Of Football for the England six-a-side team.[38]

Managerial statistics

[edit]

[39]

Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Kettering Town 14 December 1971 22 November 1974
Cambridge United 22 November 1974 12 January 1978 146 68 36 42 046.6
West Bromwich Albion 12 January 1978 9 June 1981 159 70 36 53 044.0
Manchester United 9 June 1981 6 November 1986 292 146 67 79 050.0
West Bromwich Albion 3 September 1987 12 October 1988 53 15 23 15 028.3
Atlético Madrid 12 October 1988 16 January 1989 12 6 3 3 050.0
Sheffield Wednesday 14 February 1989 6 June 1991 118 49 34 35 041.5
Aston Villa 7 June 1991 10 November 1994 178 77 56 45 043.3
Coventry City 15 February 1995 5 November 1996 74 19 28 27 025.7
Sheffield Wednesday 14 November 1997 17 May 1998 27 9 11 7 033.3
Nottingham Forest 11 January 1999 16 May 1999 17 5 2 10 029.4
Total 1,078 464 306 308 043.0

Honours

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Manager

[edit]

Kettering Town

Cambridge United

Manchester United

Sheffield Wednesday

Aston Villa

Individual

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ron Atkinson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Ronald Frederick Atkinson (born 18 March 1939), commonly known as Big Ron, is an English former professional footballer, manager, and television pundit renowned for his successful managerial spells at clubs including West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United, and Aston Villa. As a manager, he secured promotion for Cambridge United to the Second Division, elevated West Bromwich Albion to challenge for the First Division title with their pioneering "" frontline of black players, and led Manchester United to two victories in 1983 and 1985, a in 1983, and consistent top-four finishes. At Aston Villa, he won the in 1994 and guided the team to a European Cup semi-final. Atkinson's playing career was modest, featuring as a wing-half primarily for Aston Villa and Oxford United without notable distinction, before transitioning to management where his tactical acumen and motivational style earned acclaim. His tenure at in the late 1970s was particularly groundbreaking, as he successfully integrated black talents like , , and amid widespread fan , fostering a team that finished sixth, fifth, and third in the First Division consecutively. However, his post-management media career as a pundit for ITV and others concluded abruptly in 2004 following an off-air comment—mistakenly broadcast—describing Chelsea's as a "lazy thick nigger," prompting his resignation amid public outrage. This isolated incident overshadowed his contributions, though Atkinson later expressed fatigue over repeated apologies, maintaining it was an uncharacteristic lapse.

Early life and playing career

Early life

Ronald Frederick Atkinson was born on 18 March 1939 in , , to a working-class family of Liverpool origin. His family relocated to Birmingham just two days after his birth, settling in the Lea Village area of Handsworth, where they lived in a on Eatesbrook Road. Atkinson was raised in the and developed an early interest in football, playing regularly on a rectangular green near his home that served as an informal pitch for local children. This environment fostered his passion for the sport, leading him to pursue opportunities with youth teams before entering professional football.

Playing career

Ronald Frederick Atkinson began his professional football career as a wing-half with Aston Villa in May 1956, though he failed to make a first-team appearance for the club. He transferred to Oxford United (then known as Headington United) in July 1959, marking the start of a 12-year tenure that defined his playing days as a one-club professional. At Oxford United, Atkinson established himself as a robust central defender, earning the nickname "The Tank" for his physical presence and tenacity. He amassed a club-record 562 appearances between 1959 and 1971, including stints in the Southern League and, after promotion, the Football League. Appointed captain in 1962, he led the team to election into the Football League Fourth Division that year, becoming the first player to captain a club from non-League football into the professional ranks. Under his leadership, Oxford achieved further promotions, reaching the Third Division by 1965. Atkinson contributed defensively while occasionally scoring, though exact goal tallies remain secondary to his endurance record. Atkinson retired from playing at age 32 in 1971, transitioning immediately into coaching at Oxford United. His career lacked international recognition but exemplified reliability in lower-tier English football, with no reported disciplinary issues or standout individual awards beyond club loyalty.

Managerial career

Town and Cambridge United

Atkinson began his managerial career as player-manager of non-league club Kettering Town in 1971, at the age of 32, immediately following his retirement from professional playing with Oxford United. His tenure lasted until November 1974. In his debut season of 1971–72, he led Kettering to promotion from the Southern League Division One to the Premier Division. The club then captured the Southern League championship in 1973, contributing to a period of double title success in the league during the 1970s. These accomplishments established Atkinson's reputation for tactical acumen and player development at lower levels, paving the way for opportunities in the Football League. In November 1974, Atkinson succeeded as manager of United, a Fourth Division side, marking his entry into professional league management. Over his approximately three-year stint until January 1978, he transformed the team, achieving a win ratio of 46.6% across 146 matches. The highlight came in the 1976–77 season, when clinched the Fourth Division title with 61 points from 46 games, securing promotion to the Third Division for the first time in the club's history. Atkinson's approach emphasized attacking football and squad cohesion, which positioned for consecutive promotions; under his successor, they advanced to the Second Division in 1978. His departure to West Bromwich Albion midway through the 1977–78 campaign reflected growing interest from higher-tier clubs, drawn by his proven ability to deliver results on limited resources.

West Bromwich Albion

Atkinson was appointed manager of West Bromwich Albion on 12 January 1978, succeeding John Giles midway through the 1977–78 season. Under his leadership from that point, the team reached the semi-finals of the , losing 3–2 to at on 1 April 1978. In his first full season of 1978–79, Atkinson guided West Brom to third place in the First Division, mounting a strong title challenge before fading late in the campaign. The team also advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, defeating clubs including Galatasaray and before elimination by . A key element of this success was Atkinson's integration of black players into the starting lineup, including signing defender from Cambridge United and forwards and , forming what became known as the "Three Degrees"—the first all-black forward line in English top-flight history on 10 February 1979 against Ipswich Town. The following 1979–80 season saw similar results, with West Brom again finishing third in the First Division, four points behind champions . Atkinson's attacking style emphasized flair and pace, leveraging the talents of Regis (who scored 19 league goals that season) and . Atkinson departed for Manchester United on 9 June 1981, after overseeing 152 matches in charge with 73 wins, handing over a squad that had elevated West Brom from mid-table obscurity to consistent European challengers.

Manchester United

Ron Atkinson was appointed manager of Manchester United on 9 November , replacing who had been dismissed following a poor start to the –82 season. Atkinson's arrival from West Bromwich Albion, where he had guided the team to fourth place in the First Division the previous season, brought a reputation for attacking football and player development. One of his first major actions was signing midfielder from West Brom for a British record transfer fee of £1.5 million in , a move that bolstered United's midfield and became emblematic of Atkinson's bold recruitment strategy. Under Atkinson, Manchester United experienced a revival, emphasizing entertaining, offensive play that earned the team the nickname "champagne football." The club won the in 1983, defeating & Albion 4–2 in a replay after a 2–2 draw in the original final at on 18 May, marking United's first major trophy in six years. Atkinson added a second in 1985, securing a 1–0 extra-time victory over Everton on 18 May, with scoring the winner. Additional successes included reaching the 1983 final, where United lost 2–1 to , and progressing to the semi-finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1984, eliminated by Juventus. In the league, Atkinson's teams consistently finished in the top four—third in 1981–82, fourth in 1982–83, fourth in 1983–84 (after a strong title challenge that saw them top the table in March following a 4–0 win over ), and fourth again in 1984–85—but could not secure the First Division championship. Atkinson's tenure declined sharply after the 1985 FA Cup triumph, with United finishing 11th in the 1985–86 First Division amid injuries to key players like Robson, who missed significant games. The 1986–87 season began disastrously, with United losing five of their first ten league matches and sitting 21st by early November, prompting chairman to sack Atkinson on 6 November 1986—the earliest dismissal of a United manager since . Over 292 matches, Atkinson's record stood at 147 wins, 72 draws, and 73 losses, restoring short-term success but failing to end the club's league title drought since 1967.

Return to West Bromwich Albion

Following his dismissal from Manchester United on 6 November 1986, Ron Atkinson spent nearly ten months out of club management before being reappointed as West Bromwich Albion manager on 3 September 1987. The club had been relegated to the Second Division the previous season and sat precariously close to the relegation zone under previous incumbent , prompting the board to turn to the experienced Atkinson in a bid to stabilize the team. Atkinson inherited a squad in turmoil, with West Brom having won only three of their opening games in the 1987–88 season. His arrival injected renewed impetus, though results remained inconsistent; the team recorded 12 wins, 9 draws, and 17 losses in league play under his stewardship that season. Despite failing to replicate the success of his first spell at the club from 1978 to 1981, Atkinson guided West Brom to 20th place in the 24-team Second Division, securing survival by a margin of two points over relegated Newport County. The 1988–89 campaign began promisingly, but Atkinson's stay proved short-lived. On 12 October 1988, after just seven league games, he left to manage in , attracted by the opportunity abroad despite West Brom's mid-table position. His departure marked the end of a pragmatic second tenure focused on averting disaster rather than ambitious rebuilding.

Atlético Madrid

Ron Atkinson was appointed manager of on 17 October 1988, succeeding amid the club's struggles in , where they had not won the title since 1977. The appointment, orchestrated by the club's controversial president , marked Atkinson as the first Englishman to manage the club since Fred Pentland in the 1930s and came after prolonged speculation and internal turmoil at the . Atkinson's debut match resulted in a 6–1 league victory over Espanyol on 23 October, signaling an immediate upturn. During his 94-day tenure, Atkinson oversaw 12 matches, achieving an average of 2.00 points per match in and elevating the team from ninth place to third by the time of his departure. Specific results included six wins, three draws, and two losses in league play, with the side scoring prolifically but facing challenges from Gil's frequent interference in team affairs and transfers. No trophies were won, as the focus remained on stabilizing league form, though Atkinson's tactical emphasis on attacking football yielded notable performances against mid-table opponents. Atkinson was sacked on 28 January 1989, despite the improved standings, primarily due to irreconcilable clashes with Gil over operational control, including Atkinson's periodic returns to for personal reasons, which Gil viewed as a lack of commitment. Gil, notorious for dismissing 36 managers between 1988 and 2011, prioritized loyalty and on-site presence, leading to assistant Colin Addison's interim promotion. Atkinson's brief spell highlighted cultural and administrative mismatches in Spanish football management, though his results demonstrated tactical competence under constraints.

Sheffield Wednesday

Ron Atkinson was appointed manager of Sheffield Wednesday on 14 February 1989, succeeding Peter Eustace amid a struggle to avoid relegation from the First Division. Despite his efforts, the team finished 18th and were relegated at the end of the 1989–90 season. In the following 1990–91 campaign, Atkinson rebuilt the squad and guided Sheffield Wednesday to third place in the Second Division, securing promotion back to the top flight via one of the three automatic promotion spots. The season's highlight came on 21 April 1991, when they defeated Manchester United 1–0 in the Rumbelows League Cup final at , marking the club's first major trophy since 1935 and the last such win by a team from outside the top division. Atkinson's tenure ended acrimoniously on 7 June 1991 when he departed for Aston Villa, prompting backlash from supporters who felt betrayed after the promotion and cup double.

Aston Villa

Ron Atkinson was appointed manager of Aston Villa in July 1991, succeeding Brian Little. Under his leadership, the team finished second in the 1992–93 Premier League season, the club's best league performance since 1989–90. In the subsequent 1993–94 campaign, Aston Villa won the Football League Cup, securing a 3–1 victory over Manchester United in the final at Wembley on 27 March 1994, with goals from Dalian Atkinson and a brace by Dean Saunders. This marked the club's fourth League Cup triumph and Atkinson's second in the competition. Despite these achievements, Atkinson's tenure ended abruptly when he was sacked on 10 November 1994 amid a slump in league form, with Villa struggling near the relegation zone after winning only three of their first 14 Premier League matches that season. Over his 3+ years in charge, he managed 175 matches, averaging 1.52 points per game.

Coventry City

Ron Atkinson was appointed manager of Coventry City on 15 February 1995, replacing Phil Neal amid the club's battle against relegation from the Premier League. His arrival followed a poor run of form under Neal, with Coventry positioned precariously in the league table at the time of the change. Over his 21-month tenure, ending on 5 November 1996, Atkinson managed 74 matches, achieving 19 wins, 28 draws, and 27 defeats—a win percentage of approximately 26%. This marked the only club in his managerial career where losses outnumbered victories. In the 1994–95 Premier League season, Coventry finished 20th under Atkinson's partial guidance from February onward, securing survival by a narrow margin. The following year, 1995–96, the team improved slightly to 16th place, with 12 wins, 11 draws, and 15 losses in 38 matches, again avoiding relegation but failing to challenge for European spots or higher standings. Atkinson's approach emphasized attacking football and player acquisitions, including signings such as defender David Burrows from Everton for £1.65 million in July 1995, but defensive frailties persisted, contributing to inconsistent performances. Attendances rose by around 5,000 per match due to his charismatic profile and media presence, yet the team struggled with form, particularly in the early 1996–97 season, where they hovered near the drop zone by November. On 5 November 1996, following a 2–1 defeat to that left 17th, Atkinson stepped aside as manager to assume the role of Director of Football, allowing assistant to take charge. This transition aimed to inject fresh tactical ideas while retaining Atkinson's oversight, though 's mid-table struggles continued under Strachan.

Return to Sheffield Wednesday

Atkinson returned to Sheffield Wednesday as manager on 14 November 1997, succeeding who had been dismissed amid the team's poor start to the 1997–98 season. At the time of his appointment, Wednesday languished near the bottom of the table, having won only three of their opening 13 fixtures. His first match in charge resulted in a 2–0 home victory over on 22 November, providing an immediate boost. Under Atkinson's guidance for the remainder of the campaign, Sheffield Wednesday improved sufficiently to secure survival, finishing 16th with 44 points from 38 matches (12 wins, 8 draws, 18 losses). This turnaround lifted the club from the relegation zone, though the team had endured a spell of poor form late in the season that briefly threatened their status. No major signings or tactical overhauls were credited with the escape, but Atkinson's experience from his prior successful tenure (1989–1991) was cited as a stabilizing factor. Atkinson's second spell ended on 17 May 1998, just after the season concluded, when owner Dave Richards opted not to extend his contract despite the manager's stated intention to continue. Richards sought a younger successor, parting ways amicably but prioritizing long-term renewal over Atkinson's short-term salvage effort. The decision reflected the club's view that survival alone did not warrant permanence, given the underlying squad issues inherited from prior management.

Nottingham Forest

Ron Atkinson was appointed manager of Nottingham Forest on 11 January 1999, succeeding amid the club's position at the foot of the table and ongoing internal turmoil, including a high-profile strike by striker demanding a transfer. He agreed to a six-month contract, with his role set for review at the season's end. Atkinson's tenure spanned the remainder of the 1998–99 season, during which he oversaw 17 league fixtures, achieving 5 wins, 2 draws, and 10 losses for a total of 17 points and an average of 1.00 point per game. Key results included an initial 1–1 draw against in his debut match on 16 January and a subsequent 2–1 victory over Derby County, but the campaign was dominated by heavy defeats. A standout low point occurred on 6 February 1999, when Forest suffered an 8–1 home loss to Manchester United—the club's heaviest league defeat at the and the 's record away win at the time—with substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer netting four goals. Post-match comments after the Manchester United thrashing, in which Atkinson quipped that his side had delivered "a nine-goal thriller" for supporters and claimed the players had given their all, provoked backlash from fans who viewed the response as dismissive. Despite these setbacks, Forest secured victories in their final three league games after relegation was mathematically confirmed following a 2–0 defeat at former club Aston on 24 April 1999, finishing the season bottom of the table with 30 points from 38 matches overall. Atkinson departed at the conclusion of his contract on 30 June 1999 without extension, ending his 21-year top-flight managerial career on a note of failure to avert demotion to the First Division; the club cited the need for fresh direction amid prolonged decline since their last relegation in 1997.

Post-managerial ventures

Director of football roles

In January 2007, Atkinson returned to Kettering Town—where he had served as player-manager from 1971 to 1974—as director of football, marking a brief advisory role focused on strategic oversight rather than day-to-day management. His appointment on 23 January aimed to leverage his extensive experience to support the club's non-league ambitions, though the tenure lasted only until 19 April 2007 amid ongoing challenges at the Conference North level. In December 2018, Atkinson accepted the position of director of football for the 6-a-side national preparing for the , a role intended to guide recruitment, tactics, and development in the niche format emphasizing speed and skill over traditional 11-a-side structures. This involvement highlighted his continued influence in football governance post-management, drawing on his history of success with major clubs to advise on player selection and competitive strategy for the tournament.

Leisure Leagues foundation

In late 2018, Ron Atkinson joined Leisure Leagues, the world's largest organizer of small-sided football leagues, as an ambassador. In this role, he contributed to the development of their competitive 6-a-side format by serving as Director of Football for the national team, drawing from the company's extensive network of over 500 leagues across the . Atkinson's involvement aimed to bridge grassroots participation with international opportunities, allowing standout players from local leagues to train under his guidance for events like qualifiers in organized by the . Atkinson actively promoted the initiative, highlighting how 6-a-side football fosters accessible, high-intensity play while providing pathways to representative honors, including sessions he led for selected teams. His endorsement extended to global expansion efforts, such as supporting Socca's world championships, where Leisure Leagues participants could compete at an elite amateur level. This post aligned with Atkinson's broader post-managerial focus on nurturing talent outside professional structures, leveraging his experience from managing clubs like Manchester United and Aston Villa.

Broadcasting and media career

Television punditry

Following his departure from management at Nottingham Forest in January 1999, Atkinson transitioned to a full-time role as a and commentator for ITV Sport. His broadcasting work began earlier, during his tenure at Manchester United in the , but intensified post-retirement, establishing him as a prominent figure in British football media. Atkinson covered an extensive range of high-profile events, including commentary for six UEFA European Championships, five FIFA World Cups, multiple ties, and finals. His contributions extended to domestic coverage, such as match analysis, where he provided tactical breakdowns and player assessments drawn from his managerial experience. Regarded as one of Britain's leading pundits in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he developed a distinctive analytical style emphasizing shrewd observations on team dynamics and individual performances. Atkinson's on-air , often referred to as "Big Ron," featured a of phrases known as "Ronglish," including terms like "" for initial match phases and "reducer" for physical challenges, which contributed to his among audiences. He was noted for blending humor, anecdotes from his playing and days, and direct critiques, such as his description of a 0-0 scoreline as "a big score" in reference to defensive solidity. This approach, while entertaining, occasionally led to verbal slips, as in his comment on a poor header: "His head just disappeared into his shoulders." His popularity extended beyond football, with appearances on chat shows and a 2003 single release capitalizing on his recognizable voice and . In 2007, despite prior events curtailing his role, he received nominations for sports awards, reflecting sustained industry acknowledgment of his contributions.

Publications and music

Atkinson authored several books reflecting on his football career. His 1999 autobiography, Big Ron: A Different Ball Game, published by André Deutsch, provides a candid account of his managerial roles at clubs including West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and . In 2016, he released The Manager through deCoubertin Books, which details his progression from to prominent positions such as at , emphasizing observations on players and the sport's evolution. Atkinson ventured into music with the release of a single, "It's Christmas - Let's Give Love A Try", in December 2002. Co-written with Cedric Whitehouse, the track featured a , extended version, and , issued on CD via N2K Records. The song, described as embodying football-related , did not achieve commercial success and failed to enter the charts.

Controversies

2004 racist remark

On 20 April 2004, during ITV's post-match analysis of the semi-final first leg between AS Monaco and , pundit Ron Atkinson criticised Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly's performance by stating, "He's what is known in some schools as a fucking lazy thick nigger." Atkinson believed his microphone had been switched off after the UK broadcast ended, but it remained open to an international feed, transmitting the remark to viewers in regions including the , such as and . The comment surfaced publicly the following day, prompting immediate backlash from football authorities, players, and media outlets, who condemned it as overtly and unacceptable in professional . ITV described the slur as "wholly unacceptable" and confirmed it violated their standards, while Desailly himself responded by expressing disappointment but focusing on his career rather than personal retaliation. Atkinson resigned from his ITV punditry role on 21 April 2004, stating, "I made a stupid mistake which I regret. It left me no option but to resign." The incident also led to the termination of his weekly column with , which parted ways citing the remark's incompatibility with their values. The controversy marked the abrupt end of Atkinson's 14-year television , during which he had been a prominent figure in English football commentary, and no major broadcaster rehired him for on-air roles thereafter. In a titled What Ron Said, Atkinson explored the incident's repercussions, defending his broader character while acknowledging the word's offensiveness in modern contexts.

Other incidents and public backlash

In January 2005, during a speech in , Atkinson remarked that "the have the best contraception in the – but I can't understand why their women look like little aliens," prompting from Chinese media and football figures, including national team players who denounced the comments as insulting to Chinese women. The statement, intended as humor by Atkinson, fueled debate over cultural insensitivity but did not result in formal sanctions beyond renewed scrutiny of his public persona following the 2004 incident. During his appearance on the twelfth series of in , Atkinson faced immediate backlash after joking to housemate (wearing a sweater draped over her head resembling a burka) on 25 August: "You've got a in there, have you?" Producers issued a formal warning for the potentially offensive remark, citing concerns over related to Muslim women and burkas. Media outlets described it as a "race storm," amplifying given Atkinson's prior controversies, though he defended it as light-hearted banter within the house. Atkinson was evicted on 30 August, later expressing boredom with the experience rather than remorse over the specific comment.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Atkinson was married to his first wife, , until their divorce, which followed public revelations of his extra-marital in 1984 while he was Manchester United manager. The was with Maggie Harrison, whom he subsequently married, and with whom he has lived outside Birmingham since at least the mid-1980s. Atkinson has one daughter from his first marriage. No children from his second marriage are publicly documented in available sources.

Financial issues and lifestyle

Atkinson maintained a flamboyant lifestyle during his peak managerial and broadcasting years, marked by tailored suits, prominent gold jewelry, and a fondness for , where he regularly attended major events like the . His spending reflected the high earnings from his career progression, with salaries increasing from £45,000 per year in coaching roles to £250,000 annually as a television pundit. The 2004 racist remark incident led to significant financial repercussions, as Atkinson was dismissed from his ITV punditry role and subsequent media opportunities dried up, resulting in an estimated £1 million loss in earnings. He described the fallout as ending his primary income source after nearly 50 years in football, forcing a reliance on savings and reduced public engagements. Post-scandal, his public appearances showed a shift to simpler attire, eschewing the ostentatious jewelry of his earlier years. Multiple divorces, including settlements from three marriages, further strained resources, though specific figures remain undisclosed in public records.

Legacy and assessment

Achievements and influence

Atkinson's most notable managerial achievements include guiding Manchester United to victory in the in both 1983 and 1985, defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 4–3 after extra time in the former and Everton 1–0 in the latter. He also won the with Sheffield Wednesday in 1991, overcoming Manchester United 1–0 in the final, and repeated the feat with Aston Villa in 1994 by beating Manchester United 3–1. Additionally, he secured the FA Charity Shield with Aston Villa in 1994 following their triumph. Over his career spanning more than 1,000 matches across clubs including West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Aston Villa, Atkinson compiled a win ratio of approximately 43%, with 468 victories from 1,078 games managed. At Manchester United from 1981 to 1986, he oversaw 250 matches, achieving five consecutive top-four finishes in the First Division—the strongest such streak since —and elevating the club from mid-table contention to consistent challengers. Atkinson's influence on English football stemmed from his prioritization of man-management and an attacking, entertaining style of play, which fostered squad cohesion and fan engagement at resource-limited clubs like Albion, where he built competitive teams capable of challenging UEFA Cup finals in 1979. His approach emphasized player motivation over tactical rigidity, contributing to successes that exceeded expectations for several mid-tier sides and setting a template for motivational leadership in management. This legacy persisted in his post-managerial analysis, where his straightforward commentary shaped public discourse on tactical and personnel decisions during the 1990s and 2000s.

Managerial record and honours

Atkinson's managerial career encompassed nine spells at English clubs between 1974 and 1999, plus a brief stint at , totaling 1,106 competitive matches with 474 wins, 316 draws, and 316 losses, yielding a 42.86% win rate. His records varied by club, with strongest results at Manchester United (50% win rate over 292 games) and Cambridge United (44.65% over 159 games). The following table summarizes his performance at each major club:
ClubTenureMatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %
Cambridge United1974–197815971454344.65%
West Bromwich Albion1978–198118883614444.15%
Manchester United1981–1986292146796750.00%
West Bromwich Albion1987–19885315152328.30%
Sheffield Wednesday1989–199111849353441.53%
Aston Villa1991–199417877455643.26%
Coventry City1995–19967419272825.68%
Sheffield Wednesday1997–199827971133.33%
Nottingham Forest199917521029.41%
Total | 1,106 | 474 | 316 | 316 | 42.86% Atkinson secured seven major honours across his tenures. With United, he guided the team to the title in the 1976–77 season. At Manchester United, he won the in 1982–83 and 1984–85, along with the FA Charity Shield in 1983–84. His later successes included the Football League Cup with Sheffield Wednesday in 1990–91 and with Aston Villa in 1993–94. These triumphs highlighted his ability to deliver cup success at multiple top-flight clubs, though he never won a league title.

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