Derek Atkins signed for Exeter City on amateur forms in February 1950. He played as a half-back and came from the St James Youth Club in Exeter.

Joining the Royal Marines for his National Service, he switched his attention to rugby and later played as a full-back for Exeter RFC in the 1950s and 1960s.

Uncle of Trevor Atkins, who played a small number of first-team games for Exeter City in the late 1950s. Derek died on 10 September 2021.