Career
In the summer of 1886 he left for neighbours Stoke, despite having contractual obligations for Vale. A court case went to Burslem County Court in November 1886, but the two clubs agreed that Bateman could play for Stoke until the summer of 1887, at which point he would return to Vale. He was a first team regular for the Burslem club from 1887 to 1890, but in the summer of 1890 he returned to Stoke.
He played once for the "Potters" in the Football Alliance in 1890-1891 and featured five times in the Football League in 1891-1892.
He later played for Northwich Victoria. He had scored five goals in 146 games for the Vale, most of which were friendlies.