Mark Atkins

Mark Nigel Atkins (born 14 August 1968) is an English football manager and former professional footballer. He was primarily a central midfielder but started out as right-back in a career that lasted from 1986 until 2004, notably in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers where he won the title in 1995. He also played in the Football League for Scunthorpe United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, York City, Doncaster Rovers, Hull City, Shrewsbury Town and Harrogate Town. Later on his playing career, Atkins was brielfly appointed as caretaker manager at both Doncaster and Shrewsbury, and in 2008 he was appointed as manager of non-league side Matlock Town, a position he held for six years. Playing career Atkins was an integral part of Blackburn's rise from the old Second Division to Premier League champions in 1995. He joined Rovers for £45,000 from Scunthorpe United in 1988, being then relocated to midfielder, and staying in the team despite the big investment in new players from owner Jack Walker.