JON-JO Bates hopes his move to Hampton & Richmond Borough will be the springboard to getting back into the Football League.
It was barely a year ago that League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge snapped up the talented teenage striker from now-defunct Bedfont Town.
Bates failed to break through to the first team at Victoria Road and spent most of last season on loan at Harrow Borough before being released by the Daggers.
However, just when a permanent move to Harrow seemed on the cards, Hampton stepped in, and his signing was this week completed by Beavers boss Mark Harper.
Bates said: “I wasn't seeing eye to eye with John Still at Dagenham, but I've still got a contract there and I'm still being paid by them.
“Hampton are a good club who have a reputation for producing players and attract a lot of scouts down, so maybe I'll get a chance with a Football League club again if I do well here.”
Despite being relegated from Blue Square South last season, Hampton gained a reputation for playing some attractive football, but Bates has warned his new team-mates they will have to mix it with a steely determination in the Ryman Premier.
However, he is convinced he and fellow front-man Charlie Moone already have what it takes to forge a successful partnership, softening the blow of losing Joel Ledgister and Dave Tarpey.
Bates said: “I've played in this league with Harrow, and you do get some big lumps at the back, so we will have to mix it up a bit as well as playing the football.
“It's still early days for me and Charlie, and we are just getting the understanding going, but I reckon we can get 40 goals between us this season.
“We both like to get on the ball and move defenders about. Charlie's got a nice touch and he might not look bulky, but he's a strong lad and won't take any nonsense.”
Bates won't be sure of an ear or two when he needs some advice either. His dad, Jon-Barrie, is player-manager at North Greenford United, as is his uncle, Ian, at Wembley.
