sentences:  Bates was born in West Bromwich began his career with non-league Stourbridge before joining Shrewsbury Town in 1974.He became a useful forward for the "Shrews" and in his first season as a professional he scored 17 goals helping the team gain promotion.He continued to impress for Shrewsbury and caught the eye of a number of larger clubs and eventually left for Swindon Town in 1978.