Mick Bates - RIP

Last updated : 19 August 2021 By leedsunited.com

Leeds United are saddened to learn of the death of former player Mick Bates at the age of 73.

Midfielder, Bates, made 191 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring nine goals between 1965 and 1976.

Born in Armthorpe, Doncaster, in 1947, signed professionally for Leeds United in 1964 after completing his apprenticeship.

He went on to make his senior debut in September 1965, helping Leeds United defeat Hartlepool United 4-2 at Elland Road in the League Cup.

His 12 years as a professional with the Whites were the most successful in the club’s history, as the legendary side won two league titles in 1969 and 1974, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup twice in 1968 and 1971, the FA Cup in 1972, the League Cup in 1968 and the Charity Shield in 1969.

Mick’s finest moment in a Leeds shirt came in the 1971 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final first leg, coming off the bench to score a vital equaliser in Turin, as the Whites drew 2-2 with Juventus.  After drawing the second leg 1-1 at Elland Road, Leeds were crowned champions on the away goals rule, ultimately from Mick’s strike.

His final match for Leeds came in March 1976, in a 1-1 home draw with West Ham United at Elland Road and at the end of the season he moved to Walsall.

Following his spell with the Saddlers, Mick went on to have stints at Bradford City and hometown club Doncaster Rovers, before retiring in 1981.

As part of the club’s Centenary celebrations in 2019, Mick alongside fellow members of the Revie team, was granted the Freedom of the City of Leeds, by Leeds City Council.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mick’s wife Jill, son Paul and the rest of his family at this difficult time.