Sad farewell to Celtic manager who created 'togetherness' at club

Published date14 April 2024
Publication titleSunday Sun
After succeeding former manager Paul Bennett during the summer of 2018, Bates secured a sixth place finish in the Ebac Northern League's second tier during his first season in charge

A more successful push for promotion looked on the cards during the 2019/20 campaign as Allotment sat at the top of the Division Two table with 10 games remaining - only to see the season curtailed by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

After the following season met a similar fate, an FA decision saw Allotment finally promoted 12 months later and they secured an 11th place finish in their first season back in Division One.

Bates' side created league history in what will now go down as his penultimate season in charge as Allotment ended the campaign in fifth place - surpassing the previous high of ninth place, which was set in 2009.

Ahead of Saturday's home game with Tow Law Town, Bates' men were sat just below mid-table and will now hope to end his reign on a high with a positive run over the final fortnight of the season.

Dodds praised the togetherness Bates and his coaching staf f have fostered at the club and revealed his sadness at their departure.

He told The Sunday Sun: "Jay came in after Paul Bennett when we were in Division Two and he steadied the ship.

"Last season was our highest ever finish, his win percentage is 52 percent and we can't thank him enough for what he has done for the club.

"Of"Of the pitch, he looks after the players and there are 17 of them going to Portugal in May for a holida so that tells you about the togetherness.

"When you look at what he has done for the club, and what he has put on the pitch, we all really appreciate the efforts and we are sad to see him go...

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