Big Ron back on the telly in UK

John Barnes has handed Ron Atkinson a chance to resurrect his TV career eight months after he was forced to resign for an on-air racist remark.

The former Manchester United manager has been booked for a guest slot on ‘John Barnes’ Football Night’ next Thursday.

And he is hoping he has been forgiven for racially abusing then Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly.

He told The Sun: “I’m very pleased about next week’s programme – particularly because it’s with Barnesy, who has been very supportive.

“I’ve also had great support from the public. Many people I’ve bumped into have an attitude that enough’s enough.

“They ask when I’m coming back on the telly. I have no idea whether it is felt I’ve served my time when you can draw a line in the sand.”

Atkinson, who says he has been kept busy doing a radio show with Johnny Giles in Ireland, said: “I’ve apologised for what was said many, many times. I cannot do any more apologising than I have. A lot of people have done worse and got away with it.”