Peter Atherton

Peter Atherton (born 6 April 1970), is an English former professional footballer who plays 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 Development Squad manager at Wigan Athletic. 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. 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.