Mick Bates (footballer)

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Mick Bates (born 19 September 1947, Armthorpe, Doncaster) is an ex-footballer notable for playing for Leeds United during the Revie Period. He also played for Walsall, Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers

Although primarily a "super-sub" at Elland Road, not being able to break in to the squad due to Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles not releasing their places in the sides, Bates was still a very useful part of the Revie's Leeds squad of the 1960s. Signing in 1964, Bates made 187 appearances for Leeds scoring nine goals, including one against Juventus in the 2–2 first leg of the Fairs Cup Final of 1971 away in Turin. These goals along with a 1–1 score-line at Elland Road helped Leeds to triumph in the competition with Leeds winning on away goals. He remained loyal to Leeds for 12 years despite the fact he would have probably retained a regular place in most other sides. A repetition of knee injuries in-between 1974 and 1976 kept him out of the squad for most of the time available. He eventually left Leeds in the summer of 1976, going to Walsall for £25,000. Bates later had spells at Bradford City, from 1978 to 1980 joining for £20,000 and Doncaster Rovers, joining for free. He retired from professional football in 1981. After retirement from football he set up a successful insurance business. Bates's first client was Billy Bremner. He stayed in the business 21 years until he retired at the age of 52 in 1999. Bates now plays golf socially near Harrogate with his old Leeds team mates Eddie Gray and Peter Lorimer.

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