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Matthew Bates
Matthew Bates
from Wikipedia

Matthew David Bates (born 10 December 1986) is an English football coach and former professional footballer, as well as holding a UEFA B coaching licence.

Key Information

Born in Stockton-on-Tees, he began his youth career with Manchester United before moving to local side Middlesbrough. After winning the FA Youth Cup, Bates had a successful loan spell with Darlington. He became regularly involved in Middlesbrough's first team in 2005–06, and was a member of the Boro squad that finished as runners-up in the UEFA Cup. Bates had further loan spells with Ipswich Town and Norwich City before being named as Middlesbrough's new captain in 2010. He left the club in 2012 and joined Bristol City on a short-term deal. Bates was released at the end of the 2012–13 season and joined Bradford City. After one season with Bradford, he signed for League Two Hartlepool United. Bates spent three seasons with Hartlepool before moving into coaching.

He was caretaker manager for Hartlepool in both the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons. On the latter occasion, Bates impressed enough to earn the permanent role as head coach. After keeping Hartlepool in the National League, he was sacked in November 2018. Between 2022 and 2024, Bates was the assistant manager at Whitby Town.

Club career

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Middlesbrough

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Born in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham,[1] 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 tasting FA Youth Cup success in 2003–04, he was promoted to the first team and made his debut on 6 December 2004, coming on as an injury time replacement for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in a 3–2 win over Manchester City. After a successful loan spell at Darlington, he made a breakthrough, making 28 appearances and played alongside former manager Gareth Southgate in central defence.[2] He was an unused substitute for Middlesbrough in the 2006 UEFA Cup final defeat to Sevilla.[3]

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 2006–07 season. He was seriously injured in his second game, tearing his cruciate ligament and partially tearing his medial collateral ligament, and returned to Boro.[4] 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.[5] He scored his first league goal for Middlesbrough in a crucial 3–1 win over relegation rivals Hull on 11 April 2009.[6]

Following Middlesbrough's relegation from the Premier League in the 2008–09 season, rumours arose regarding his future with them. However, despite a number of Premier League clubs being interested, he opted to stay at Middlesbrough, signing a new three-year deal at the Riverside outfit.[7]

On 25 July, Bates suffered the fourth serious knee injury of his career and could be sidelined for the rest of the year.[8] He went for surgery in September and is confirmed to be out for the entire season.[9]

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.[10] 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.

Bristol City

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In November 2012, Bates signed for Championship side Bristol City on a short-term deal until January 2013.[11] 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.[12] On 8 May 2013, Bates was released by City.

Bradford City

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On 13 October 2013, Bates signed a 3-month deal with Bradford City.[13] On 15 January 2014, Bates signed a new deal with Bradford City until the end of the season.[14]

Hartlepool United

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Bates joined Hartlepool United in June 2014.[15] Bates' playing stint with Hartlepool was ravaged by injuries with the defender making 77 league appearances in four years with the club.

International career

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Bates was capped by England at youth level.[1]

Coaching career

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On 24 April 2017, following the dismissal of Dave Jones, Bates was appointed caretaker manager of Hartlepool United for the final two matches of the 2016–17 season.[16] Hartlepool won 2–1 in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season against Doncaster Rovers but this result was not enough, as a late Newport County goal saw Hartlepool relegated from the Football League for the first time in their history.[17] When Craig Harrison was appointed as Hartlepool's first-team manager in May 2017, Bates moved into a coaching role with the club's U21s side.

On 21 February 2018, Bates took charge of Hartlepool again following the dismissal of Craig Harrison.[18] Bates lost his first two games in charge as caretaker manager but managed to turn around the club's poor form and a crucial three-game win streak against Barrow, Bromley and Maidstone United led to him winning the Manager of the Month award for March 2018.[19]

After keeping Hartlepool in the division, Bates was appointed as permanent first-team manager in May 2018.[20] After six successive league defeats, Bates was sacked as Hartlepool manager in November 2018 with the club in 13th position.[21]

In September 2022, it was announced that Bates had joined Northern Premier League side Whitby Town as their assistant manager.[22] Bates left Whitby in May 2024 to take up a scouting role at another club.[23]

Personal life

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Matthew has a son with Chanelle Hayes.[24]

Career statistics

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Middlesbrough 2003–04[25] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2004–05[26] Premier League 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
2005–06[27] Premier League 16 0 4 0 3 0 5[a] 0 28 0
2006–07[28] Premier League 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
2007–08[29] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2008–09[30] Premier League 17 1 3 0 0 0 20 1
2009–10[31] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010–11[32] Championship 31 3 1 0 0 0 32 3
2011–12[33] Championship 37 2 3 0 2 0 42 2
Total 104 6 11 0 6 0 5 0 126 6
Darlington (loan) 2004–05[26] League Two 4 0 4 0
Ipswich Town (loan) 2006–07[28] Championship 2 0 2 0
Norwich City (loan) 2007–08[29] Championship 3 0 3 0
Bristol City 2012–13[34] Championship 13 0 0 0 0 0 13 0
Bradford City 2013–14[35] League One 22 0 1 0 23 0
Hartlepool United 2014–15[36] League Two 25 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 27 1
2015–16[37] League Two 32 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 35 0
2016–17[38] League Two 20 1 2 0 1 0 1[b] 0 24 1
Total 77 2 6 0 2 0 1 0 86 2
Career total 225 8 18 0 8 0 6 0 257 8
  1. ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup
  2. ^ Appearance in EFL Trophy

Managerial statistics

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As of 27 November 2018
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref
P W D L Win %
Hartlepool United (caretaker) 24 April 2017 26 May 2017 2 1 0 1 050.0 [16][39][40]
Hartlepool United 21 February 2018 28 November 2018 38 13 12 13 034.2 [41]
Total 40 14 12 14 035.0

Honours

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As a player

[edit]

Middlesbrough

As a manager

[edit]

Individual

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Matthew David Bates (born 10 December 1986) is an English football manager and former professional player who played as a defender. He is the manager of Dover Athletic in the as of November 2025. Born in , Bates rose through the youth ranks at , making 104 appearances for the club between 2004 and 2012 and captaining the team. He had loan spells at , Town, and City before joining Bristol City in 2012, where he made 13 appearances. Bates later played for Bradford City (22 appearances) and Hartlepool United (77 appearances, 2 goals). He earned caps for the under-19 team and was part of the Middlesbrough side that won the in 2004. Bates transitioned to coaching, serving as caretaker and then permanent manager of Hartlepool United from May to November 2018. He was assistant manager at from 2022 to 2024 before taking up scouting roles and his current position at Dover Athletic.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Matthew Bates was born on 10 December 1986 in , . He was raised in the nearby village of Eaglescliffe, where he developed strong ties to the region. As the middle child of three brothers, Bates grew up in a family deeply passionate about Football Club, whom he supported from childhood. His father, Brian, played a key role in nurturing this interest, often taking young Matthew to watch matches at , the club's former home stadium. This early exposure to the local football culture solidified his connection to the team and the area.

Youth career

Bates began his organized football journey in the youth system of Manchester United, joining their centre of excellence at Birtley in the north-east of as a young prospect. His talent was identified early through performances in school teams and local club Marton FC, leading to his recruitment by the club around the age of nine. He developed foundational skills there as a defender before the closed due to FA rule changes in the early , prompting a transition to a local club closer to home. Following the closure, Bates moved to Middlesbrough's , signing with their centre of excellence in mid-2003 after a six-month delay caused by for in-growing toenails. This integration aligned with his lifelong support for the club, allowing him to join an exceptionally talented group of peers including Jason Kennedy, David Knight, , and Tom Craddock, forming part of an unbeaten youth squad that dominated regional competitions. Bates quickly adapted, contributing to early successes such as victories in the Tournament, where the team defeated Newcastle United twice. As a centre-back, Bates focused on honing defensive attributes like positioning, tackling, and aerial duels during intensive training sessions, emphasizing determination and single-minded focus on improvement. Coaches praised his quickness and power on the ground, which complemented his partnership with taller defender , creating a balanced backline that prioritized clean sheets and ball recovery. This development phase built his reputation as a reliable organizer at the back, preparing him for higher-level youth fixtures. Bates played a pivotal role in Middlesbrough's triumphant 2003–04 campaign, their first-ever win in the competition, defeating Aston Villa 4–0 on aggregate in the final. In the first leg on 15 April 2004 at , Middlesbrough secured a 3–0 victory with goals from and others, where Bates anchored the defense to maintain a . The second leg on 19 April at the ended 1–0, courtesy of a Wheater header, as Bates and Wheater's partnership ensured another clean sheet against a strong attacking side. Motivated by the previous season's 3–1 aggregate loss to Manchester United in the 2002–03 final—where Bates had also featured—the victory highlighted his growth into an integral defender capable of performing in high-stakes matches.

Club career

Middlesbrough

Bates made his professional debut for Middlesbrough on 6 December 2004, entering as a substitute in the 88th minute during a 3–2 home win against Manchester City. Following his emergence from the club's youth academy, he transitioned into the first team during the 2005–06 season, starting his first league match on 20 August 2005 in a 2–1 away defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Over the course of his tenure from 2004 to 2012, Bates accumulated 126 appearances and 6 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as a reliable squad member in both domestic and European fixtures. During the 2005–06 campaign, Bates contributed to Middlesbrough's memorable run to the , where the team finished as runners-up after a 4–0 defeat to Sevilla in ; he made five appearances in the competition, including starts against Litex Lovech and . In domestic leagues, his performances helped solidify the defense, with notable outings such as his full debut alongside in a 0–0 draw against , part of Middlesbrough's mid-table finish. Bates' versatility allowed him to operate effectively as a centre-back or central midfielder, providing depth during injury crises and rotation under managers and . Bates' progress was severely disrupted by recurring knee injuries, beginning with a cruciate ligament tear in his right knee during the 2006–07 season and followed by further damage to his left knee in 2007, requiring multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation periods. By 2012, he had suffered four such injuries across both knees, which restricted him to sporadic appearances and ultimately curtailed his consistent first-team involvement despite his potential. In recognition of his resilience and , Bates signed a three-year extension in June 2009, securing his stay at the club until summer 2012.

Loan spells

Bates' loan spells during his Middlesbrough tenure were primarily aimed at providing the young defender with regular first-team experience amid stiff competition for places in the squad and to aid his recovery from injuries. In early 2005, Bates joined League Two club on a two-month loan, where he made four league appearances as a central defender. The spell proved beneficial, allowing him to adapt to senior football and perform solidly in defense, which contributed to his subsequent breakthrough into Middlesbrough's first team upon his return. Later, in November 2006, Bates moved to side Ipswich Town on loan until January 2007 to further his development. He featured in two league matches but suffered a severe cruciate knee injury, along with a partial tear of his left medial , during his second appearance against , cutting the loan short and sidelining him for an extended recovery period. Following his rehabilitation, Bates joined Norwich City on a two-month loan in January 2008 to regain match sharpness. He made three appearances, starting in a 1-0 win over Preston North End, a 2-1 victory at Cardiff City, and a 1-1 draw with Hull City, where he helped maintain defensive solidity. However, he sustained another knee injury in a 1-0 home defeat to Plymouth Argyle, prompting an early return to . These loans, frequently disrupted by Bates' recurring knee problems that characterized his early career at , ultimately served to build his resilience despite limited overall playing time.

Bristol City

After leaving as a , Matthew Bates signed a short-term with Bristol City in 2012, joining the club on a two-month deal until January 2013. The move came amid his recovery from multiple injuries accumulated during his time at , which had limited his playing opportunities. In February 2013, Bates extended his contract with Bristol City until the end of the 2012–13 season, providing stability as he aimed to rebuild his career. He featured as a squad player, making 13 appearances in the that season, primarily as a centre-back. However, ongoing fitness concerns restricted his involvement, with the defender often sidelined by the lingering effects of his knee problems. Bates was released by Bristol City in May 2013 upon the expiry of his , as the club opted not to renew amid his persistent challenges.

Bradford City

In October 2013, Matthew Bates signed a three-month with League One club Bradford City to provide defensive cover following a long-term to Andrew Davies. He made an immediate impact, featuring in the squad for matches shortly after joining and earning a contract extension until the end of the 2013–14 season in January 2014. Bates established a key defensive role in the heart of Bradford's backline, partnering Rory McArdle in central defense during a mid-table campaign that saw the team finish 11th in League One. Over the course of the season, he made 22 league appearances, starting 20 of them and accumulating 1,810 minutes on the pitch, contributing to a defense that conceded 54 goals across 46 matches. His experience from higher divisions helped stabilize the back four amid occasional injury disruptions, including a minor hamstring issue that briefly affected his consistency. Notable contributions included solid performances in high-stakes fixtures, such as a 1–0 victory over promotion-chasing Leyton Orient in March 2014, where Bates helped secure a clean sheet against a potent attack. At the conclusion of the season in May 2014, Bates was not offered a new deal and departed as a after one year at the club.

Hartlepool United

Bates signed for Hartlepool United on 24 June 2014, joining the League Two club on a two-year contract following his release from Bradford City. As a former Middlesbrough captain and Middlesbrough fan, he quickly became an important player, serving as club captain and providing leadership in defense despite ongoing injury issues. Over three seasons from 2014 to 2017, Bates made 86 appearances across all competitions and scored 2 goals, helping the team in their efforts to maintain League Two status before relegation in 2017. His contract was extended in May 2016 until the end of the 2016–17 season. Persistent knee problems ultimately forced his retirement from playing in June 2017.

International career

Under-19 career

Matthew Bates earned three caps for the England under-19 national team as a centre-back during the 2003–04 season, contributing to the squad's defensive efforts in both friendly matches and UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers. His international debut came on 30 April 2004 in a 3–0 victory over Denmark during the elite qualifying round, held in Slovenia, where he helped secure a clean sheet alongside teammates like Martin Cranie. Bates featured again on 6 October 2004 in a 1–1 friendly draw against the Czech Republic at Carrow Road, Norwich, demonstrating composure in a competitive defensive line. Bates' final under-19 appearance was on 18 November 2004, starting in a 1–0 friendly win over at , , where his role in marshalling the backline contributed to maintaining a against a strong attacking side. These matches highlighted his reliability as a defender, with no goals conceded in two of his outings, though ultimately failed to qualify for the 2005 finals after drawing 1–1 with in their elite round finale on 2 May 2004—Bates did not feature in that game. His selection for the under-19 team stemmed from strong showings in Middlesbrough's youth setup, including their 2004 triumph.

Under-21 career

Bates was regarded as a prospect for the under-21 team following his strong defensive displays at in the late , where consistent performances in the earned him national youth recognition. However, he did not earn any caps at the under-21 level. By 2011, Bates was described as a "former Under 21 ace," reflecting his potential and involvement in youth international setups.

Coaching and managerial career

Hartlepool United

Bates began his coaching career at Hartlepool United with a caretaker managerial role in April 2017, following the dismissal of manager Dave Jones. He oversaw the final two matches of the 2016–17 League Two season, securing a 2–0 victory against Exeter City in the last game, though the team were ultimately relegated to the National League. Following his retirement from playing at Hartlepool United, Bates transitioned into a coaching role with the club's first-team staff, appointed as first-team coach in June 2017 under new manager Craig Harrison. In February 2018, after Harrison's resignation, Bates returned as and guided the team through the final 13 matches of the season, achieving five wins to ensure survival and avoid relegation to the . His success in this interim period led to his permanent appointment as manager on 4 May 2018. Bates' full-time tenure as manager ran from May to November 2018, encompassing 24 matches in the season with seven wins, eight draws, and nine losses. Combining this with his earlier 2018 interim spell, he managed 37 games overall during his time in charge, recording 12 wins amid a challenging campaign marked by inconsistent results. He was sacked on 28 November 2018 after a run of poor form, including five defeats in the last seven matches, with the club sitting 15th in the table.

Whitby Town

In September 2022, Matthew Bates joined Whitby Town, a club in the Premier Division, as assistant manager to Nathan Haslam. This appointment brought Bates' prior coaching experience from Hartlepool United into a non-league setting, where he worked alongside the management team to support daily operations and match preparation. Bates contributed significantly to the club's coaching setup over the next 20 months, focusing on team strategy and player development in collaboration with Haslam. Under their joint management, Whitby Town experienced a successful 2023–24 season, most notably advancing to the first round proper for the first time since 2003–04 after defeating side Chelmsford City in the fourth qualifying round. This run provided a milestone for the club and showcased the coaching staff's efforts in preparing the squad for competitive fixtures. On 26 May 2024, Bates left his position at Whitby Town to take up a role at another club. His departure was acknowledged by the club for his major role in the preceding season's achievements.

Scouting roles

In May 2024, following his departure from Whitby Town, Matthew Bates took up a role at another club. The specific club has not been publicly disclosed.

Personal life

Bates is married to Sarah and has seven children. He enjoys , , and spending time with his family.

Statistics and honours

Player statistics

Matthew Bates made his professional debut on loan at in 2005 before establishing himself at , where he accumulated the bulk of his playing time. His career included spells at several clubs, with a focus on defensive roles, and concluded with Hartlepool United in 2018 following persistent injury issues. Across all competitions, he recorded 236 appearances and 8 goals, with 2 assists primarily from his Middlesbrough tenure. The following table details Bates' club appearances, goals, and assists (where recorded) across all competitions, compiled from verified records:
ClubYearsLeague Apps (Subs)League GoalsFA Cup Apps (Subs)FA Cup GoalsLeague Cup Apps (Subs)League Cup GoalsOther Apps (Subs)Other GoalsTotal AppsTotal GoalsAssists
Middlesbrough2004–201295 (9)69 (2)03 (3)05 (0)011262
Darlington (loan)20054 (0)00 (0)00 (0)00 (0)0400
Ipswich Town (loan)20062 (0)00 (0)00 (0)00 (0)0200
Norwich City (loan)20082 (1)00 (0)00 (0)00 (0)0200
Bristol City2012–201312 (1)00 (0)00 (0)00 (0)01300
Bradford City2013–201420 (2)01 (0)00 (0)00 (0)02100
Hartlepool United2014–201874 (3)26 (0)02 (0)01 (0)08320
Totals: 209 league appearances (8 goals), 16 appearances (0 goals), 5 appearances (0 goals), 6 other appearances (0 goals). In total, Bates' professional playing career yielded 236 appearances and 8 goals, with 2 assists, predominantly in the . He retired in July 2018 at age 31 due to recurring injuries, having last played in the 2017–18 League Two season for Hartlepool United. On the international stage, Bates earned 3 caps for the U19 team between 2004 and 2005, including a 1–1 draw against the U19 on 6 October 2004. No caps were recorded for the U21 team.

Managerial statistics

Matthew Bates' managerial career to date consists solely of his tenures at Hartlepool United in the and National League, where he served in both caretaker and permanent capacities. His record reflects a focus on stabilizing the team during challenging periods, including efforts to avoid relegation and maintain mid-table positions. During his initial caretaker spell from April 24 to May 25, 2017, in League Two, Bates oversaw 2 matches, achieving 1 win, 0 draws, and 1 loss, for a win rate of 50% and 1.50 points per match (PPM). This period included a 1–0 away loss to Cheltenham Town on April 29 and a 2–1 home victory over Doncaster Rovers on May 6, though the team was ultimately relegated to the National League. Bates returned as caretaker manager from February 22 to May 3, 2018, in the National League, managing 13 games with 5 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, yielding a 38.5% win rate and 1.46 PPM. His performance earned him the National League Manager of the Month award for March 2018, following a five-match unbeaten run that included four wins. He was then appointed permanent manager on May 4, 2018, handling 24 matches until his dismissal on November 28, 2018, recording 7 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses, for a 29.2% win rate and 1.21 PPM. Combining these 2018 spells, Bates managed 37 games with 12 wins, 12 draws, and 13 losses, achieving a 32.4% win rate and 1.30 PPM. Across his entire managerial record at Hartlepool United, Bates compiled 39 matches, 13 wins, 12 draws, and 14 losses, resulting in an overall 33.3% win rate and 1.31 PPM. He has held no other head managerial roles, with subsequent positions limited to assistant coaching at Town until 2024 and scouting duties thereafter, which do not contribute to independent managerial statistics.
PeriodRoleCompetitionGamesWinsDrawsLossesWin %PPM
Apr–May 2017CaretakerLeague Two210150.01.50
Feb–Nov 2018Caretaker/PermanentNational League3712121332.41.30
Total--3913121433.31.31

Honours

As a player, Matthew Bates achieved notable recognition during his youth and early senior career with Middlesbrough. He was a key member of the Middlesbrough youth team that won the FA Youth Cup in the 2003–04 season, defeating Aston Villa 2–0 in the final at the Millennium Stadium. This triumph marked Middlesbrough's first win in the competition since 1986 and highlighted Bates' early potential as a defender. Later, in his senior career, Bates earned the EFL Championship Player of the Month award for September 2011, following a strong start to the season where Middlesbrough remained unbeaten in their first five league matches, with Bates captaining the side and contributing to a solid defensive record. Despite persistent injuries limiting his appearances, Bates did not secure any major senior team honours with Middlesbrough or subsequent clubs. As a manager, Bates received the National League Manager of the Month award for March 2018 while serving as caretaker boss at United. During that month, he guided the team to an unbeaten run of five matches, including four victories, which helped stabilize their position in the relegation battle. This recognition came amid a challenging season for , and Bates' efforts ultimately contributed to avoiding relegation from the National League. No further managerial honours have been recorded in his career to date.

References

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