Middlesbrough FC

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Bates considers Boro future

28 May 2009 - 15:00:20

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Defender Matthew Bates has cast doubt over his Middlesbrough future after admitting he doesn't want to play in the Championship next season.

The 22-year-old has bounced back from three serious knee injuries to make 20 appearances for the Teessiders this season.

However, their relegation from the top-flight has left Bates considering his future.

Bates' contract expires next month and, although he has been offered fresh terms, he could be moving on in a bid to stay in the Premier League.

"I'm a professional footballer and I've missed a lot of football despite being just 22. The last thing I really want to do is play in the Championship," he said.

"I want to play Premier League football and progress in my career as far as I can, but I'm also a massive Boro supporter and I want to help them get back into the Premier League.

"Whether I'm there or not next season is another story.

"There's a big decision to be made and I'll have to sit down in the next few weeks and make that decision.

"I'll sit down with my family, my agent and speak to the manager of Middlesbrough and see where we go from here.

"It's important that I go away, clear my head. Middlesbrough is a club I've supported all my life, all my family supports them and being relegated means just as much to me as it does to the fans."