Premier League legend in shock career move as he heads to Scotland after 24 years and 450 games in English top-flight
FORMER Premier League referee Martin Atkinson is set to take over as VAR manager at the Scottish FA.
The 53-year-old will say goodbye to the English game after 24 years.
The SFA moved quickly to steal Atkinson after Jon Moss left his VAR manager role after just 52 days of startin it.
SunSport understands Moss will be taking up a top job with the Australian FA.
Now, Atkinson will begin work as Scottish head ref Willie Collum’s No 2 in early December.
Collum, 45, said: “I am delighted to appoint someone of Martin’s calibre.
“I did not expect to be recruiting for that position again so quickly, but Jon received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and went with our best wishes.
“I am pleased Martin has agreed to continue the considerable work undertaken to date in optimising our VAR operation.
“And I’m sure our VAR officials and match officials generally will look forward to working with someone of Martin’s experience.”
Atkinson was a Prem official for 20 years and refereed the 2015 Europa League final, won by Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during his time with LaLiga outfit Sevilla.
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Atkinson oversaw 463 games in the English top-flight before turning to manage PGMOL’s Select Group.
The Select Group meet twice per month for training sessions and analysis of match videos and data to help improve refereeing performances.
He leaves the Select Group after joining in 2022 following his last Prem match – where Crystal Palace beat Manchester United 1-0 at Selhurst Park.
Incidentally, that was the ground where he made his debut 17 years prior.
Atkinson is only behind Mike Dean (521) for most Prem games refereed.
PGMOL said: “Everyone would like to thank Martin and wish him every success for the future.”
Atkinson refereed games at Euro 2016 and became a regular Champions League official.
He also took charge of the FA Cup Final in 2011 and the 2014 League Cup final.