FORMER Bradford City and Leeds United star Mick Bates has passed away at the age of 73.

Bates made 56 appearances for the Bantams in Division Four during the twilight of his career, but is best know for his long spell with their great West Yorkshire rivals.

His time at the club was the most successful in Leeds' history as they won multiple trophies under the stewardship of Don Revie.

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

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

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

His 12 years as a professional with Leeds 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.

Bates’ finest moment in a Leeds shirt came in the 1971 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final first leg, as he came 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 Bates’ strike.

He joined Walsall at the end of the 1975-76 season, spending two seasons there before being snapped up by newly-relegated City and their Northern Irish boss John Napier for £20,000 in June 1978.

Bates retired from professional football in 1981, ending his career after a short spell at hometown club Doncaster Rovers.

He was granted the Freedom of the City of Leeds in 2019, and leaves behind wife Jill and son Paul, who our thoughts are with at this difficult time.