Steve Bates

Freelance football writer. Former Chief Football Writer with The Sunday People, National Chairman of the FWA 2008-2012.

[Steve Bates @sbates_people]

Winner! #FOTY2026

[Manchester United @ManUtd]

This man ❤️

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

Congratulations to Bruno Fernandes for winning the Footballer of the Year, and thanks to his @ManUtd manager Michael Carrick for presenting our winner with his trophy. #FOTY2026

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

BREAKING - Bruno Fernandes thanks his @ManUtd team-mates and manager Michael Carrick in his first interview as the Footballer of the Year, with FWA Chair @johncrossmirror #FOTY2026
Read here: ✍️ https://t.co/dAljYEFEXr

[Steve Bates @sbates_people]

Grounded, humble and world class @B_Fernandes8 is a credit to himself and @ManUtd #FOTY2026

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

EXCLUSIVE Watch our first interview with @B_Fernandes8 as the Footballer of the Year is interviewed by @theofficialfwa chair @johncrossmirror on his award, team-mates and all things @ManUtd #FOTY2026 https://t.co/JEswOdfzct

[Steve Bates @sbates_people]

A well deserved winner following in the footsteps of other @ManUtd legends to win this award Carey, Charlton , Best, Sherringham ,Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo (twice) and Rooney #FOTY2026

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

Congratulations to @B_Fernandes8 for being voted the Footballer of the Year. The @ManUtd captain garnered 45 per cent of votes, 28 ahead of runner-up Declan Rice, while Erling Haaland was third. He is the first United player to win our award since Wayne Rooney in 2010 #FOTY2026
https://t.co/S3Iwn7h1na

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

Congratulations to @B_Fernandes8 for being voted the Footballer of the Year. The @ManUtd captain garnered 45 per cent of votes, 28 ahead of runner-up Declan Rice, while Erling Haaland was third. He is the first United player to win our award since Wayne Rooney in 2010 #FOTY2026
https://t.co/S3Iwn7h1na

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

That's a WRAP!
Here is the official film of a memorable Footballer of the Year dinner, with awards for @MoSalah and @alessiarusso7 .
Thanks to Joey McCarthy and @GoalhangerPods for putting it together 👏 #FOTY25

[Steve Bates @sbates_people]

This is a great opportunity and a door-opener for students with an eye on this business - get those entries in!

[Jim White @jimw1]

Entry closes Tuesday at midnight for this year's FWA Student Football Writer of the Year awards. £1000 awaits the winner of each of three categories. Plus, if shortlisted, an invitation to Wembley to watch an England game from the press box. Details on https://t.co/WtT3p2Av8k

[Jim White @jimw1]

A month to go for entries to the FWA student Football Writer of the Year awards. £1000 prizes up for grabs in each category. Plenty of time to get writing. Entry details below... https://t.co/x39dfHh3gb

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

Arsenal royalty in the room last night as we honoured the great Dennis Bergkamp with the FWA Tribute award.

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

Erik Ten Hag was in fine form last night at the FWA Northern Managers Awards dinner. Good to see Phil Parkinson, Dave Challinor, Ben Wilkinson and Rob Elliot, too.
https://t.co/ZlDcXoMc8O

[Steve Bates @sbates_people]

So sad, we lose another good one RIP JD

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

A heartfelt and beautiful tribute to @JohnDillonSport from his great friend @PaulMcCarthy66 . RIP JD.
https://t.co/W4jR37PBOX

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

FWA Student Football Writer awards shortlists announced - congratulations to all those who made it to the final 10 in each category https://t.co/eLCrKkO9l2

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

Trippier wins NE FWA Player of the Year - https://t.co/9xVTIsDpRd. Report by @ColinGYoungie who organised the event superbly, as ever

[Steve Bates @sbates_people]

The look on Paul Hetherington’s face was worth the trip alone! Well played all @theofficialfwa @reid6peter @Iandennisbbc

[Adrian Bevington @ABevington11]

Excellent night at the NE @theofficialfwa awards hosted by @Iandennisbbc.
Congratulations to all the winners including a stunned Paul Hetherington on deservedly receiving the John Fotheringham award from @reid6peter.
Well done @PaulMcCarthy66 @sbates_people @ColinGYoungie

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

Calling aspiring football journalists - ⁦@MrDomSmith⁩, winner of last year’s Hugh McIlvanney award, urges you to enter the FWA student journalism awards. Details here: https://t.co/OtnydBL9wn

[Steve Bates @sbates_people]

Big Congratulations to @J3dw4rds on his 400th appearance for @LeamingtonFC what an achievement !Well done Jack. Any more spectacular goals left in the tank ?😊

[Steve Bates @sbates_people]

When players are in demand during transfer windows clubs have to be cunning and creative! The latest @WilliamHill High Press podcast in conjunction with the @theofficialfwa
hosted by @alibendertv @MarkOgden_ @OllieHolt22

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

The lengths @SpursOfficial went to ensure one January transfer window deal went ahead, as told by @sbates_people in the latest episode of High Press with @WilliamHill 😁. Host @alibendertv joins @OllieHolt22 and @MarkOgden_ Watch the full episode here: https://t.co/fAw9onK319

[William Hill @WilliamHill]

Liverpool v Manchester United is upon us... but who is the bigger club? 👇

🔴 Liverpool

⚫️ Manchester United

Watch the full debate on #HighPress 📺

w/ @alibendertv | @MarkOgden_ | @OllieHolt22 | @sbates_people

[The Football Writers' Association @theofficialfwa]

Berbatov's hat-trick, @GNev2 celebrating or Cantona's comeback winner? Some great @ManUtd v @LFC memories on the latest episode of High Press with @alibendertv @sbates_people @OllieHolt22 and @MarkOgden_ Full episode here: https://t.co/1AD3h5ttPx