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JAMIE BATES TRIBUTE
by 'Badger'


Jamie Bates - picture Paul DennisNews of the 'Master's' retirement came as something of a shock to me, although I did wonder at the time why he had been given the captain's armband ahead of Rhino. This was a nice gesture from Sanchez and I'm sure it was appreciated.

Back in 1999, when he joined us from Brentford, Batesey didn't take long to convince me that he was going to be a good signing for us. Commanding in the air, and better with the ball at his feet than many of the Adams Park faithful gave him credit for, he played a vital role in our eventual survival that season. Moreover, he seemed to settle in straight away, no doubt helped by his old chums Big Tel and Jase, and helped forge our now famous team spirit which had been sorely lacking in recent seasons.

My two abiding memories of Batesey both come from the season just gone. Firstly, the way he stood, awestruck, at Selhurst Park at the way we were singing and shouting our heroes on. He has obviously seen a lot during his playing career but the way he reacted to our support that night showed us that he had never quite seen anything like it before. This should serve as encouragement and inspiration to those of us who would like this level of support to be the norm for a Wycombe following, not the exception.

Jamie Bates - still smiling - picture Paul DennisAnd secondly, his awesome display in the cup semi-final against Liverpool. Most 2nd division defenders would have shat themselves at the thought of having to face Owen, Heskey, and Fowler on such a stage. Batesey revelled in it and rose supremely to the occasion. On countless occasions, he won precious possession against opponents, who on paper at least, he shouldn't have been able to get near. A Man Utd supporting friend of mine told me after this game that he wanted Jamie Bates in alongside Jaap Stam next season. Tongue in cheek maybe, but testament to the influence he had bought to bear on that memorable occasion.

And so the curtain came down on his career against Col U. How fitting it would have been if he could have settled it with the very last kick of the game, but it wasn't to be, as he was thwarted by his old chum Andy Woodman. His reaction to this spoke volumes for the man. A huge beam spread across his face as he approached his mate to congratulate, and chide him for saving it. He played out his last moments as a Wycombe player as he always had done; totally committed, and with a smile on his face.

Good luck, Jamie, thank you for all that you did for my club; you will be truly missed.

'Badger'
First posted in the Gas Room - 8th May 2001


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5th May 2001

Jamie retires

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© Chairboys on the Net 2001 - all rights reserved - pictures with kind permission of Paul Dennis
Tribute to Jamie Bates kindly provided by 'Badger' - send your articles to
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