Chris Atkinson (footballer)

Huddersfield Town

Atkinson was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire. He joined Huddersfield Town's Academy as a seven-year-old, having played for local junior team Warley Rangers. In 2008, Atkinson joined the club's academy as a scholars. A key member of the youth and reserve teams in the 2009–10 season, he made the step up to the first team in 2010–11 with a two-year professional contract and manager Lee Clark spoke of his admiration for the youngster during pre-season.

He made his debut for the Terriers as a substitute in the 6–0 win over Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup at the Galpharm Stadium on 27 November 2010. Though he made one appearance so far for the club, Manager Clark insists Atkinson will be staying at the club beyond the season after ruling him out to go on loan for first team experience. He made his league debut in the 1–1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge at The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium on 22 February 2011. After making two appearance, Atkinson signed a new contract with the club, keeping him until 2013.

He returned to the Galpharm on 4 January 2012 after making 15 appearances for the Conference Premier club he made his first appearances of the season for Huddersfield Town, as an 81st-minute substitute for Anton Robinson during the clubs 1–0 win over Scunthorpe United on 21 April 2012 and would be his only appearance of the season as Huddersfield finished the season as Play-off champions winning promotion to the Championship after beating Sheffield United on penalties in the Wembley final. Despite being given number 31 shirt for the 2012-13 season, the club planned to loan out Atkinson for first team opportunities, having been limited by Manager Simon Grayson.

After being recalled by Huddersfield Town when loaned at Chesterfield, it was later explained as a precaution in case an appeal for Keith Southern's red card against Charlton Athletic failed. It did fail and Atkinson came off the bench in the second half of Town's 3–0 against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. He made his first league start for Town in the West Yorkshire derby against Leeds United at the John Smith's Stadium on 1 December and scored his first goal for the Terriers in the 12th minute, but Town eventually lost 4–2. Despite the loss, Atkinson expressed joy of scoring his first goal nevertheless. Then on 15 January 2013, Atkinson signed a contract extension that will keep him until 2014.

In May 2014, after returning from his loan spell at Bradford, Atkinson was released by Huddersfield, ending his twelve years spell at the club, having joined them since he was seven. After being released, Atkinson soon attracted interests from clubs in League One and League Two.

Loan spells

On 25 July 2011, he signed a six-month loan deal with Conference Premier club Darlington in order to gain first team experience. He made his debut for Darlington on 13 August 2011, in a 1–0 win over Braintree Town. Atkinson would go on to make fifteen appearances for the club and returned on 4 January 2012.

On 12 September 2012, Atkinson joined his team-mate, Liam Ridehalgh on loan at League Two club Chesterfield. Three days later, he scored on his debut in the 3–1 win over Wycombe Wanderers. His impressive display led the club extending his loan spell with Chesterfield for a further month. He would score 4 more goals, as well as an own goal which gave Fleetwood Town a victory, in his 15 games. Atkinson would score 4 more goals against Aldershot Town, Exeter City, Oxford United and Cheltenham Town. After playing his last game against Plymouth Argyle for Chesterfield, He was recalled by Town on 26 November because of emergency crisis around the club/

Atkinson completed a ‘window to window’ loan move to League One club Tranmere Rovers on 18 July 2013 until 2 January 2014. Atkinson made his league debut in the opening game of the season, in a 3-1 win over Walsall. He then scored his first goal in the first round of Football League Cup, in a 2-0 win over Mansfield Town. Atkinson scored his first league goal, in a 4-3 loss to Brentford on 14 September 2013. He then scored his second league goal on 2 November 2013, in a 1-1 draw against Preston North End. After the match, Atkinson says he pleased to score, however, he was disappointed with outcome of the results. He made 28 appearances, scoring 3 goals before returning to the Terriers.

On 24 January 2014, Atkinson joined another League One club Bradford City on loan until the end of the season. He made his debut on 1 February, replacing Aaron McLean in the second half of an away game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, Atkinson made four appearance for the club before returning to Bradford City.

Crewe Alexandra

On 22 July 2014, Atkinson signed a 2-year contract with Crewe Alexandra after impressing on trial with the club. His signing for the club came when Atkinson scored his first goal for them in a pre season friendly vs Chester on 19 July. Upon joining the club, Atkinson was given number eight shirt ahead of a new season.

However, Atkinson's debut was delayed because of hamstring injury he sustained during in a pre-season friendly. Atkinson made his Crewe debut on 19 August 2014, in a 5-2 loss against Rochdale, where he came on for Anthony Grant as a substitute.

Salford City

In October 2016, he signed for Salford City.

Club statistics