Career
Bates has previously played for Bradford City, Bristol City, Darlington, Ipswich Town, Norwich City and Middlesbrough. Born in Stockton-on-Tees and raised in Eaglescliffe, Bates began playing at Manchester United"s centre of excellence in Birtley since the age of nine. Several years later, the centre was closed down and he was taken in by his hometown club Middlesbrough.
After a successful loan spell at Darlington, he made a breakthrough, making 28 appearances and played alongside former manager Gareth Southgate in central defence.
Bates had been tipped by some to be Southgate"s successor but an injury while on loan at Ipswich in November 2006 prematurely ended his 2006-2007 season. He was seriously injured in his second game, tearing his cruciate ligament and partially tearing his medial collateral ligament, and returned to Boro.
After recovering in January 2008, Bates moved on loan to Norwich City for two months. He later returned to Middlesbrough after suffering from another knee injury which has resulted in him needing an operation for the third time in just 18 months.
Following Middlesbrough"s relegation from the Premier League in the 2008-2009 season, rumours arose regarding his future with them.
However, despite a number of Premier League clubs being interested, he opted to stay at Middlesbrough signed a new three-year deal at the Riverside outfit. On 25 July, Bates suffered the fourth serious knee injury of his career and could be sidelined for the rest of the year. He went for surgery in September and is confirmed to be out for the entire season.
The 2010/11 season saw Bates as a regular in the Boro line-up.
He got his first goal of the season against Portsmouth in a 2–2 draw. Under new Boro manager Tony Mowbray Bates was named new captain.
He scored the only goal in a 1–1 draw with Preston North End. His third and final goal of the season came when he returned to the side after injury, playing in midfield, against Sheffield United.
He was rewarded with a great start to the 2011/12 season by winning Player of the Month.
On 27 March 2012, Bates suffered a fifth serious knee injury which ruled him out for a period of 6 months. In November 2012, Bates signed for Championship side Bristol City on a short-term deal until January 2013. He made his debut on 17 November in a 1–1 draw away to Blackpool, conceding a penalty in the 90th minute for handball, which Tom Ince converted.
On 8 May 2013, Bates was released by City.
On 13 October 2013, Bates signed a 3-month deal with Bradford City. On 15 January 2014, Bates signed a new deal with Bradford City until the end of the season.