Tony Choules believes he can get Jon-Jo Bates' wayward career back on the right track at Uxbridge .
It was only four years ago, while at Bedfont Town, that Bates landed his big break after being snapped up by Football League side Dagenham & Redbridge.
He was, however, released by the Daggers after an unhappy stay at Victoria Road, and has since drifted around the non-league circuit with Harrow Borough, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Northwood, Burnham and Beaconsfield SYCOB.
But the striker has now settled at Uxbridge, where manager Choules is determined to tap into the talent which earned Bates his big move not so long ago.
He said: “I'm one of JJ's biggest supporters. He has got a lot to offer but has spent the last two years in the wilderness. He's been brilliant during pre-season, and if he gets his head down he could be a top player again.”
Another recent arrival at Uxbridge is fellow front-man Zak Joseph, who has played alongside Bates as Beaconsfield and Burnham, and who is the son of former Brentford and Wimbledon goal machine Francis Joseph.
Choules added: “I used to play at Hillingdon Borough with his dad, and Zak has definitely inherited his talent.”
Joseph earned Uxbridge a 1-1 draw at another of his former sides, North Greenford United, with a second half equaliser on Saturday, but the Reds then went down 2-0 at home to Chalfont St Peter on Tuesday night.
They are fifth in the Southern One Central, but the early leaders, with four wins out of three, are Northwood , having beaten Royston 2-1 on Saturday and Petersfield Town by the same score on Tuesday night. Northwood host Aylesbury this Saturday, while Uxbridge welcome Fleet Town.
