 Injury to Terry Evans saw Bates finally take over one of the centre back positions in the newly-renamed First Division during the 1992–93 season, though the campaign ended in disappointment with relegation straight back to the Second Division.Under new manager David Webb, Bates was paired at centre back with Shane Westley during the 1993–94 season and took over the captaincy from Billy Manuel.1994–95 proved to be Bates' best season – paired with Barry Ashby in central defence, he won the club's Player of the Year award, but his season ended on a sour note after he failed to convert a penalty in a playoff semi-final shootout to the eventually-promoted club Huddersfield Town.