The Ayrshire businessman was voted onto the board three years ago so he could gain some knowledge for a proposed take over of the club by his 10000Hours community interest company. The idea was fans would become shareholders in the company, which would own a controlling interest in the club, and then be able to have a say in club matters.
The make-up of the scheme was adjusted a number of times and more than one bid was made before the board - who are looking to sell the club - effectively walked away from the idea. It then became a case of how long Mr Atkinson stayed on the board and it's perhaps a little surprising he stayed involved for this long.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see him end up at another club in the near future. There are suggestions he has been involved in the Supporters Direct side of the Foundation of Hearts takeover attempt and a cynic could suggest it's little coincidence he has quit Saints the day the foundation were given preferred bidder status to buy the Jambos.
The departure leaves the Saints' board a little short of numbers as it's now made up just of the selling consortium and Chris Stewart, who was part of Mr Atkinson's 10000Hours team. Whether or not he also quits remains to be seen.
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