Big Ron Atkinson wants to inspire six-a-side players to make the jump from Bognor to international level

“Modern footballers could benefit from playing more six-a-side football” – that’s the assessment of former Manchester United and West Brom boss “Big” Ron Atkinson, as players in local leagues across Bognor prepare to bid to pull on their national shirt.

Atkinson has recently been announced as the Director of Football for the England six-a-side football team and was happily waxing lyrical on the major benefits that the small-sided game offers.

The legendary ex-manager, who celebrated his 80th birthday last week, said that when he was at the top level of the game he used to concentrate on 5 a side football to improve the skills of his players: “Ask any of my lads, all throughout my career, and they’ll all tell you how important I think it is,” said the veteran of over 1000 games.