Peter Atherton (footballer)


Peter Atherton, is an English former professional footballer who played as both a defender and a midfielder. He was assistant manager at Halifax Town, although on 16 October 2007, he came out of playing retirement to appear for the Shaymen. He is now assistant head coach at Bolton Wanderers.
He was born in Wigan, Lancashire.

Playing career

Most famous for captaining Sheffield Wednesday, Atherton started his career at hometown club Wigan Athletic as a trainee and spent three years there before attracting the attention of Coventry City. Atherton was lured away from Wednesday by Bradford City after relegation on the Bosman ruling where he also spent a spell on loan at Birmingham City. Birmingham reached the League Cup final, however, Atherton was unable to play as he was cup-tied. After being released by Bradford on a free transfer he finished his career at Halifax Town, where injury forced him to retire from professional football after playing only 14 games for the club, but came out of retirement because of Halifax's injury crisis and was named as a substitute for their home game against Grays Athletic on 16 October 2007.

Coaching career

In June 2007, Atherton was appointed assistant manager of Halifax Town, replacing Wayne Jacobs. He had previously been coaching in Wigan Athletic's youth set-up.
He also played for Sheffield Wednesday in their 2006 Masters Football campaign, and Wigan Athletic in 2007.
He became assistant manager at Barrow in July 2018..
On 1 July 2020, he was appointed as the assistant head coach of Bolton Wanderers, following Barrow head coach Ian Evatt to the University of Bolton Stadium.