Leeds Rugby League legend John Atkinson was one of the greatest ever players to play for the club and won every major honour during an incredible career at Headingley.
John Atkinson is now suffering from and in the late stages of the debilitating disease Alzheimer's. It saddens me greatly to see him now and remember his athleticism, coordination and fitness then. God bless John, what a legend you are.
I had the pleasure of being in the police force in Leeds with John, we went through training together at RAF Dishforth which was the Northern Training Centre at the time, one of Life's true Gentlemen. He was stationed in Ireland Wood, quite near to his home near the old water tower, often referred to as Sleepy Valley. An unforgiving job to be both a Rugby player, combined with beat duties, often came off a night shift, at 6.00am and on a coach up to the lake district to play a 3.00 K. O. then back to Leeds by 9.00pm back into uniform and parade for duty at 9.45 until 6.00am Sunday never a complaint from him at the time.
That penalty try in the 1968 "watersplash" final is still talked about today. I'm neutral on that one, but it was great seeing him playing during the Eddie Waring commentary era.
I find it so, apt, that in the police, in the seventies, if an officer was in need of assistance, the call was 1099. Acko had a collar number of 1099, he pulled Leeds out of the sh1t so often, it seemed like karma in action. A great winger, a great person, a great friend in the police, proud to have called him my friend.
I've never seen a better Rugby League Left-Wing wearing the number 5 shirt than John Atkinson. It was an absolute joy to watch him play. Thankfully, there's tons of surviving footage of the great man in action, and loads of other players as well. I'll always love the game of Rugby League, but I have to say, for me personally, the game has gone downhill in recent years. The scrums are awful, and certain players haven't a clue as to do a proper Play-The-Ball. Jamie Peacock's are the worst I've ever seen !!!! It's just as well that we've got plenty of historical photographic footage, showing us how the game should be played. Proper scrums, and proper Play-The-Balls. Also, no forward passes !!
Loved watching Atkinson-Wire fan.
What a fantastic tribute to a fantastic guy ! a man i was in awe of watching him play through the 70s. God bless you John.
RIP, JOHN A GREAT RUGBY LEAGUE LEGEND, FROM A WIDNES FAN.
John Atkinson is now suffering from and in the late stages of the debilitating disease Alzheimer's. It saddens me greatly to see him now and remember his athleticism, coordination and fitness then. God bless John, what a legend you are.
oh no the last of an era
I had the pleasure of being in the police force in Leeds with John, we went through training together at RAF Dishforth which was the Northern Training Centre at the time, one of Life's true Gentlemen. He was stationed in Ireland Wood, quite near to his home near the old water tower, often referred to as Sleepy Valley.
An unforgiving job to be both a Rugby player, combined with beat duties, often came off a night shift, at 6.00am and on a coach up to the lake district to play a 3.00 K. O. then back to Leeds by 9.00pm back into uniform and parade for duty at 9.45 until 6.00am Sunday never a complaint from him at the time.
That penalty try in the 1968 "watersplash" final is still talked about today. I'm neutral on that one, but it was great seeing him playing during the Eddie Waring commentary era.
Class winger ,my hero as a young fan,RIP
Yeah Paul mine too unforgettable Saturday afternoons to gladden the hearts of us youngsters...
RIP, a true legend
I find it so, apt, that in the police, in the seventies, if an officer was in need of assistance, the call was 1099.
Acko had a collar number of 1099, he pulled Leeds out of the sh1t so often, it seemed like karma in action.
A great winger, a great person, a great friend in the police, proud to have called him my friend.
I've never seen a better Rugby League Left-Wing wearing the number 5 shirt than John Atkinson. It was an absolute joy to watch him play. Thankfully, there's tons of surviving footage of the great man in action, and loads of other players as well. I'll always love the game of Rugby League, but I have to say, for me personally, the game has gone downhill in recent years. The scrums are awful, and certain players haven't a clue as to do a proper Play-The-Ball. Jamie Peacock's are the worst I've ever seen !!!! It's just as well that we've got plenty of historical photographic footage, showing us how the game should be played. Proper scrums, and proper Play-The-Balls. Also, no forward passes !!
Harry Hopworthy amen 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Here, bloody here. 100 % right
did he attend Moor Grange School?