16 Facts About Rob Atkinson

Robert Guy Atkinson was born on 29 April 1987 and is an English former professional footballer who plays as a defender.

Rob Atkinson later played for Accrington Stanley before dropping into Non-League football in 2015 and has since turned out for Guiseley, Bradford Park Avenue, Spennymoor Town and Grantham Town.

Rob Atkinson has been capped twice by the England C football team.

Rob Atkinson was initially signed for Grimsby Town on loan in November 2007 by Alan Buckley.

Rob Atkinson was drafted in as a covering defender, and was slotted in at centre back next to Nick Fenton.

Rob Atkinson scored his first goal for the club against Chester City on 1 January 2008.

Rob Atkinson went on to play he full 90 minutes at Wembley Stadium, in the Football League Trophy final defeat against MK Dons.

However at the time, nothing came of the transfer, and after Buckley signed centre backs Richard Hope and Matthew Heywood in pre-season, the Rob Atkinson deal became dead in the water.

Rob Atkinson went on to cement a first team place at centre back alongside youngster Ryan Bennett, who had become the club's new captain, replacing Matt Heywood, who had been dropped due to poor performances.

Rob Atkinson would be appointed the club's interim captain when club captain Lee Peacock was not selected in the team, but would go on to depart Grimsby in the summer despite being offered a fresh contract by the club's new managerial duo of Rob Scott and Paul Hurst.

On 16 July 2013 Rob Atkinson returned to Accrington, penning a two-year deal.

On 1 July 2018 Rob Atkinson signed for National League North side Spennymoor Town.

Rob Atkinson left the club by the end of the season.

On 3 July 2019, Rob Atkinson joined Grantham Town on a free agent.

On 24 January 2011, Rob Atkinson was called up to the England C squad.

Rob Atkinson was again called up for England duty to face Portugal on 19 May 2011 along with fellow Grimsby defender Scott Garner.