
Wigan’s strong young centre-half impressed City manager Terry Butcher in the two FA Cup games in 1991 and although his initial offer was rebuffed he got his man six months later for £320,000. Atherton replaced the legendary Trevor Peake and impressed from the outset becoming a virtual ever-present for three seasons alongside first Andy Pearce and later Phil Babb.
He won an England under-21 cap at City and might have won full honours at a bigger club. He left City for Sheffield Wednesday under freedom of contract and played over 200 games for the Owls, before playing around 100 games for Bradford City. His career was ended through injury after just 14 games for Halifax. After taking a coaching position with Wigan he was later appointed assistant manager of Halifax.
• Central defender
• Joined from Wigan Athletic for £320,000 (aged 21 years 4 months) under Terry Butcher
• Left for Sheffield Wednesday for £800,000 (aged 24 years 1 month) under Phil Neal
• Substitute appearances: 1
• Unused substitute: 2
• Bookings: 4




































































































































































































































































England U21, 1 cap
1991-92
15 October 1991 England U21 v Turkey U21, Reading, UEFA U21 Championship 1992 qualifying, 2-0