Scottish Premiership powerhouses Rangers lost David Bates 11 months ago when the defender joined Bundesliga.2 side Hamburg for free.
David Bates says his move to Hamburg was a ‘no brainer’ as the former Rangers defender continues to impress in Germany, as reported by the Daily Record.
Bates joined the Glasgow giants from lower league Raith Rovers three years ago and became a key player at the heart of The Gers’ defence in the second half of last season under his former youth team coach Graeme Murty.
But Murty’s successor Steven Gerrard never got the chance to work with the 22-year-old. He joined Hamburg on a free in April once his contract expired.
And Bates has been a roaring success in the German second tier, establishing himself as a key player for a Hamburg side who are just one point behind Cologne at the top of the table. The Scotland international is a huge fans’ favourite with some even comparing him to Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.
“The whole idea of moving to Hamburg was to play as often as I could and improve as a player,” Bates said. “My family and coaches tell me that has happened.
“I’m enjoying myself so much and I go to training with a laugh and smile on my face. It was a no-brainer to join Hamburg as they are such a big club in German football.”
Hamburg’s gain is most certainly Rangers’ loss, given that Gerrard’s side continue to look a little shaky at the back with the club falling 10 points adrift of Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table.
If only they’d managed to tie Bates down to a long-term deal.
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