Career
He played for various clubs, mainly in London, in a defensive role. Pates began his career with Chelsea, making his debut as an 18-year-old in a 7–3 victory against Orient in 1979. He remained with Chelsea through the turbulent early 1980s and as club captain led the side to promotion in 1983-1984.
He was surprisingly sold to Charlton Athletic in 1988 for £400,000 having made 346 appearances for the Blues.
Two years later Pates joined Arsenal for £500,000 in January 1990. After struggling to break into the side he signed for Brighton & Hove Albion on loan, a move which became permanent in 1993.
After a knee injury forced his retirement from the top-level game, he moved into coaching. He was appointed player-manager of Crawley Town, leaving in 1996, and then had a brief stint playing for Romford.
He gained coaching qualifications while managing Wingate & Finchley, and since 2001 has coached football at Whitgift School in South Croydon.