My Spurs debut | Mark Yeates vs Wolves | 15.05.2004

A talented playmaker who progressed through our Academy ranks to the first team, Mark Yeates enjoyed almost 20 years as a player across all levels and is now taking his first steps into coaching.

Always a bundle of energy who loved his football, Mark, from Tallaght in the Republic of Ireland, joined us as a youngster in July, 2001, turning professional a year later. His Football League debut followed almost 20 years ago on loan for Brighton at Bristol City in League One and then, at the age of 19, having been in and around the squad, he was selected by David Pleat for his Spurs debut in the final match of 2003/04 against Wolves at Molineux.

He certainly made his mark at Molineux. Starting the game alongside fellow Academy graduates Ledley King and Stephen Kelly, Mark set up Robbie Keane for the opening goal in the first half and completed the 90 minutes as we ran out 2-0 winners, Jermain Defoe pouncing on a poor back pass to secure the points.

Now 38, Mark went on to have five loan spells during his time at Spurs before departing for Colchester United in 2007. He then had spells at 11 clubs - including the likes of Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Watford - and racked up over 600 career appearances until finally calling it a day after playing non-league for Eastleigh, AFC Fylde and Bamber Bridge, his final season in 2021/22. He was on target in Bradford City's famous FA Cup win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in January, 2015.

By then, coaching was calling and Mark is now in charge of the Under-18s at League One side Fleetwood Town and guided them to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup last season.

Speaking to us this week, Mark recalled: "I'd been in and around the squad quite at bit at the end of that season (2003/04) and knocking on the door to get a run out - it just happened that it was the final game of the season. We were training and it was Robbie Keane and Simon Davies who gave a me the nod... 'we think you're in tomorrow'.

"David Pleat and Chris Hughton were taking the team at that time and when I got the call, I was buzzing, I was a young lad who had been at the club for a few years, and that's what you're there for, to get that chance to go and play for the first team.

"It was a great moment. I don't think I slept a wink at the team hotel that night! The day went well. You're obviously out there to win, but from a personal point of view you just hope to make a good impression and play well, and I think I did that. Setting up Keano for his goal was obviously a nice moment and the day went well. I have fond memories of that day, a proud moment for me and my family.

"There were a few of us around the squad. As well as Steo (Stephen Kelly) and Ledley, Jacko (Johnnie Jackson), Dean Marney as well, we had a good, tight-knit group in the Academy. I still speak to a lot of the lads. We all went our separate ways, but we've all had good, solid careers in the game.

"I've always looked football, loved the football environment and now I've got the chance to coach the Under-18s at Fleetwood, and I'm loving it. I still keep an eye on Spurs, though. It's a club still close to my heart."

*Photographs of Mark at Fleetwood courtesy of and with thanks to Fleetwood Town FC...