Stanway Rovers midfielder Robert Bate (reported as Robert Bates) played for Norwich reserves against Wivenhoe on 19th July 2000, and scored in the 2-2 draw, the other goal coming from Carlos Hasselbaink.

Robert previously played for Sudbury Town in 1997/98 making 4 appearances and scoring twice. He has also spent time with Whitton United and Needham Market. Bate joined Heybridge from Stanway in the summer of 2001 but was released on 24th September 2001. He moved soon afterwards to Witham Town. Sometime during the autumn of 2002, Rob returned to Stanway Rovers.

In June 2007, he was appointed as joint manager of Stanway Rovers along with Paul Symes and remained in post until the end of the 2009/10 season.

Bate was appointed as Assistant Manager to Steve Ball at Ryman League side Leiston on 4th December 2013