Became the club's first-team manager on 2 March 2009.

Steve guided the Rebels to safety at the end of the 2008/09 season, and in the following season, led the club into the Midland division playoffs, where a semi-final victory over Hitchin was followed by defeat in the final at Chesham.

In season 2010/11, Slough again reached the playoffs, but this time lost to Hitchin in the semi-final.

Steve also had successful spells as manager of Chesham United, Berkhamstead - where he guided them to the F.A. Vase final at Villa Park - and Hemel, where he guided them to promotion to the Southern Premier League.

As a player, Steve was a powerful defender who started his playing days with Hemel Hempstead before joining Everton. He went on to win the FA Youth Cup with Everton in 1984. He later played over 300 games for Chesham.

'Bates' first joined Slough Town in the summer of 1994. He went on to become a rock at the heart of a Rebels defence which ran Enfield so close to the title. He appeared for Slough in the Conference following their promotion from the Isthmian League before leaving the club in the summer of 1997.

Steve also appeared for Harrow Borough and Hendon.