Colin Pates

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Colin George Pates (born 10 August 1961 in Carshalton, London) is a retired English footballer who played for various clubs, mainly in London, in a defensive role.

Pates began his career with Chelsea, making his debut as an 18-year-old in a 7-3 victory against The Orient in 1979. He remained with the Chelsea through the turbulent early 1980s and as club captain led the side to promotion in 1983-84. He was surprisingly sold to Charlton Athletic in 1988 for £400,000 having made 346 appearances for the Blues. Two years later Pates joined Arsenal for £500,000, but after struggling to break into the side signed for Brighton on loan, a move which became permanent in 1993.

After a knee injury forced his retirement from the top-level game, he moved into coaching. He was appointed player-manager of Crawley Town, leaving in 1996 and then had a brief stint playing for Romford.