Meaning: The quote "He sliced the ball when he had it on a plate" is a sports-related expression that is often used in the context of football (soccer) and golf. This quote is attributed to Ron Atkinson, a former footballer and football manager from England. The expression is used to describe a situation in which a player misses an opportunity to make a successful play or shot when the conditions are favorable, or when the situation is seemingly easy.

In football, "slicing the ball" refers to a mishit in which the ball spins uncontrollably off the side of the foot, resulting in an inaccurate and often disappointing pass or shot. This can happen when a player fails to make clean contact with the ball, causing it to veer off course. When the player "had it on a plate," it means that the opportunity was presented to them in a way that should have made it easy for them to succeed. However, they still failed to capitalize on the opportunity, resulting in a missed chance or an error.

In the context of golf, "slicing the ball" refers to a shot that curves to the right (for a right-handed golfer) uncontrollably, often resulting in the ball going off course. Similarly, when a golfer "has it on a plate," it means that the conditions or setup for the shot are ideal, yet the player still fails to execute it properly.

This quote can be applied beyond sports, serving as a metaphor for missed opportunities or failures to capitalize on favorable conditions in various aspects of life. It illustrates the idea that even when everything seems to be in one's favor, a lack of skill, focus, or execution can still lead to disappointment or failure.

Ron Atkinson, the attributed source of the quote, is a well-known figure in English football. He had a successful playing career as a defender before transitioning to management, where he achieved notable success with clubs such as West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United, and Sheffield Wednesday. Atkinson's experience and expertise in football make this quote particularly meaningful coming from someone with a deep understanding of the game and the intricacies of seizing opportunities on the field.

In conclusion, the quote "He sliced the ball when he had it on a plate" by Ron Atkinson conveys the frustration and disappointment of failing to take advantage of a favorable situation or opportunity, especially in the context of sports. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of skill, focus, and execution in seizing opportunities, not just in sports, but also in life.