He was however released by City without playing a first team game and for a while dropped down into non-league football with Enderby Town (later Leicester United).
It was while playing for Enderby that Sheffield United spotted him and after an initial trial period the 20-year-old Atkins signed a permanent deal with The Blades.
[5] However, midway through the 1984–85 season Atkins was offered, along with Gary Brazil, the chance to go on loan to Preston North End with the possibility of making the move permanent.
However, although originally a midfielder Atkins who stood at 6'2 started finding himself due to injuries playing more frequently as a centre back.
With John McGrath now in the Deepdale hot seat North End stormed to promotion with Bob's three-pronged defensive partnership with Sam Allardyce and Alex Jones, nicknamed "the solicitors" an absolute rock at the back.