Ron Atkinson Quotes

Powerful Ron Atkinson for Daily Growth

About Ron Atkinson

Ronald (Ron) Atkinson OBE, born on March 18, 1949, in Birmingham, England, is a renowned British football manager and former player, known for his distinctive moustache and outspoken personality. Atkinson started his professional football career as a player with West Bromwich Albion in the early 1960s, where he played for seven seasons before moving to Manchester United in 1970. However, due to a knee injury, his playing days were cut short. This unfortunate turn of events prompted Atkinson to transition into coaching, starting with non-league clubs. His management career took off when he was appointed manager of Aston Villa in 1983. During his tenure, the team won the Football League First Division and the European Cup. In 1987, Atkinson moved to Manchester United, where he remained for five years, leading the club to several significant victories, including the FA Cup and two league titles. Known for his charismatic leadership style, Atkinson had a knack for spotting young talent and fostering it effectively. His tenure at clubs like West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, and Coventry City also yielded impressive results. Despite being criticized for his outspoken nature, Atkinson's honesty and straightforwardness have endeared him to many fans. His quotable phrases, such as "you can't win anything with kids" and "it's a funny old game," are still widely quoted today. Retiring from management in 1998, Atkinson has since worked as a football pundit on television, offering his insightful analysis on various football programs. Ron Atkinson remains an iconic figure in British football, admired for his contribution to the game and his unique approach to management.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"You're getting a bit of stick now."

The quote "You're getting a bit of stick now" is a British colloquialism used by former football manager, Ron Atkinson. It means that the person being addressed is receiving criticism or harsh treatment at the moment, often in a sporting context where verbal abuse or boos from spectators are common. In more general terms, it can imply that one is currently facing some form of adversity or opposition.


"They were like a bag of spanners."

This quote, by Ron Atkinson, is often used to describe a team that is disorganized or ineffective, much like a bag full of tools (spanners) that are randomly scattered without any clear purpose or structure. In other words, the team lacks cohesion, coordination, and efficiency.


"He's more than a handful, he's a box of 'em."

The quote implies that the person being referred to is not just difficult to handle in one instance, but consistently so, like a whole box of troubles or challenges. It suggests that dealing with this individual requires extra patience, care, or strategy because they present multiple issues, problems, or complexities at once.


"He's as tough as old boots."

The quote "He's as tough as old boots" implies that the person being referred to is extremely resilient, hardy, or rugged, akin to a pair of long-lasting, sturdy boots. It suggests they can withstand harsh conditions, challenges, or difficulties without easily breaking or giving up.


"It was like watching paint dry in the rain." (often misquoted as "Watching grass grow is more exciting than this")

This quote suggests that the event or activity being observed was incredibly dull, tedious, or uninteresting, much like watching paint dry in the rain, which is typically considered a slow and uneventful process. It underscores the speaker's lack of engagement or enthusiasm for the spectacle they are witnessing.


He sliced the ball when he had it on a plate.

- Ron Atkinson

Ball, Plate, Had, Sliced

I think that was a moment of cool panic there.

- Ron Atkinson

Cool, Think, I Think, Panic

I'm afraid they've left their legs at home.

- Ron Atkinson

Home, Afraid, Left, Legs

He must be lightning slow.

- Ron Atkinson

Lightning, Must, He, Slow

Zero-zero is a big score.

- Ron Atkinson

Big, Score

I've had this sneaking feeling throughout the game that it's there to be won.

- Ron Atkinson

Game, Won, Throughout, Sneaking

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