Alfie Bates

Alfie Bates (born 3 May 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for League of Ireland Premier Division club Drogheda United.

Career Bates was born in Coventry and joined the Academy at Coventry City at the age of seven after leaving Coundon Court Juniors. He went on to endure a difficult start to his career, losing his mother to cancer in 2013 and then being released by Birmingham City at the age of 15. He signed for Walsall in March 2017 and scored on his youth-team debut against Morecambe, before featuring in 28 under-18 and six Development Squad matches during the 2017–18 season. He made his first-team debut for the "Saddlers" on 9 October 2018, in a 3–1 victory over Middlesbrough U21 in an EFL Trophy group stage match at the Bescot Stadium.

On 23 February 2022, Bates joined Veikkausliiga club SJK on a long-term deal. In December 2022, he terminated his contract in order to return to England. On 12 January 2023, Bates joined National League North side Brackley Town.

In June 2025, Bates joined National League side Tamworth.

On 24 July 2026, Bates signed for League of Ireland Premier Division club Drogheda United until the end of their season in November.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2018–19 League One

2019–20

2020–21

2021–22

SJK 2022 Veikkausliiga

SJK Akatemia 2022