 Complete the following phrase:  Bates was born in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. He became a Football League assistant referee in 1993, and took up the flag during the Charity Shield match at Wembley on 13 August 1995, when Everton beat Blackburn Rovers 10 courtesy of a Vinny Samways goal. He fulfilled the same role for UEFA, and ran the line in the Euro 96 group match between Germany and the Czech Republic. He was also an assistant referee for Dermot Gallagher during the 