Bristol City's Matthew Bates keen on returning to side after illness absence
By Tim Oscroft
Wednesday 6 March 2013 16:28, UK
Image:Matthew Bates: Bristol City defender was on verge of signing new contract when Derek McInnes was sacked
Matthew Bates hopes to re-establish himself for Bristol City following illness and Sean O'Driscoll's arrival as manager.
Organised
Having recovered from his illness, Bates has made it onto the bench in recent weeks and is beginning to see a brighter future for himself.
"Fortunately, the gaffer was prepared to wait for me and, once I got back fit, he must have seen something in me, because he offered me a contract," added Bates, 26.
"I've been training for four or five weeks now and I'm enjoying being a part of the new regime. Sean O'Driscoll has not spoken to me about my situation long-term, because he is a team manager and speaks to the team rather than to individuals.
"Everything he does is about the team and being organised as a group. It is credit to him that it is working, but also credit to the players."
