Tributes paid to Shrewsbury and Stoke manager Chic Bates
He guided Shrewsbury to their highest-ever league finish
Tributes have been pouring in for former player, manager and coach Chic Bates, who has died at the age of 75.
Stoke City and Shrewsbury Town have both paid tribute to their former manager Phil ‘Chic’ Bates, with Shrewsbury calling him "one of the best players in the club’s history".
Chic’s remarkable journey with Town began in 1974, when he was signed from non-league outfit Stourbridge.
In his debut season, Chic scored 17 goals and played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Third Division.
His goal scoring form continued, ultimately attracting the attention of Swindon Town, who signed him for £30,000.
Chic returned to Shrewsbury in 1979, rejoining the club now competing in the Second Division.
After earning his coaching qualifications, he was named successor to Turner in 1984.
Defying expectations, Chic guided the club to its highest-ever Football League finish – eighth in the Second Division – in the 1984/85 season.
He managed the side until 1987, before returning to the club in 1999 as assistant manager.
Bates also worked as Lou Macari's assistant at Stoke during the early 1990s and succeeded him as manager in 1997.
In a statement, Shrewsbury Town said: "Chic, who was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2013, was a true clubman, lived in the town and was often at the Croud Meadow watching his beloved Salop play.
"The thoughts of everyone at Shrewsbury Town Football Club are with Chic’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time."
Stoke City, in a statement, said: "Bates was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimers in 2013 and has battled the illness with the support of his family in the years since.
"We send our thoughts and sincere condolences to Chic’s family and friends at this sad time."