Ron Atkinson has concentrated on punditry since leaving Nottingham Forest in May 1999.
It was as a manager that Atkinson really made his mark on the game, with his most successful spell at Old Trafford. He led Manchester United to FA Cup victory in 1983 and 1985, not finishing lower than fourth position in the First Division. However, his failure to win the league title meant he was replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson in 1987, after six years at the club.
His success attracted Aston Villa, who Atkinson led to Premiership runners-up spot in 1993 and League Cup success in 1994.
His "Ronisms" while commentating attracted a cult following, with a website devoted to his expressions such as "early doors", "lollipop" and "back stick".
He first came to the attention of the soccer world as "The Tank", playing more than 400 games for Oxford United as they rose from the Southern League to Division Two. He had moved to the club after failing to make the grade at Aston Villa, whom he joined in the late 1950s.
