31st December 1886

Manchester

Half-Back

Jimmy Atkinson born in Manchester, signing from Brighton and leaving to join Barrow, played in the Southern League for Exeter City in the 1909/10 season.

Jimmy started as a fifteen-year-old with Newton Heath Athletic, and after playing for Sale Holmfield, turned professonal with Bolton Wanderers in 1905. Staying for three seasons Jimmy made three Football League appearances (scoring once) before signing for Brighton and Hove Albion where he was a regular throughout the 1908/09 season. One of Jimmy's best games that season was at St James’ Park and this alerted City to the possibility of signing him should he become available.

Jimmy made his first team debut for the Grecians in a 2-1 defeat at West Ham United in the Southern League on 2 September 1909. A virtual ever-present in the City team missing just two league matches, he also scored in the FA Cup against Nunhead.

Jimmy left Exeter at the end of the 1909/10 season to sign for Barrow.