Paul Atkinson

Paul Atkinson (born 19 January 1966) is an English former footballer who played on the left-side of midfield. He appeared three times for England Youth in a tournament in 1983, and played another five games the following year. He began his career at Sunderland, and helped the "Black Cats" to the Third Division title in 1987–88. He joined Port Vale for a £20,000 fee in June 1988, but soon became blighted by injury. He was loaned out to Stafford Rangers and Hartlepool United to help to regain his fitness, but was forced to retire from professional football on medical advice in January 1991.

Career Atkinson began his career at Sunderland, winning 18 caps for the England youth team between 1982 and 1985.

Atkinson signed for John Rudge's Port Vale in June 1988 for a £20,000 fee. He scored a brace on his debut in a 3–1 win over Preston North End at Deepdale on 27 August.

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1983–84 First Division

1984–85 First Division

1985–86 Second Division

1986–87 Second Division

1987–88 Third Division

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1988–89 Third Division

1989–90 Second Division

1990–91 Second Division

4!!3!!0!!0!!2!!0!!6!!3 Hartlepool United (loan) 1989–90 Fourth Division

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Honours Sunderland Football League Third Division: 1987–88