From Rangers fringe man to Turkish title trailblazer: the curious case of ‘Ginger Ramos’ helping gate crash big guns

A former Rangers defender has emerged as one of the unlikely stars of a remarkable story unfolding at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.

While the division has become increasingly accustomed to attracting elite names, it is the relatively unfamiliar Amed SK who have gate crashed the early-season title picture, with ex-Ibrox centre-back David Bates at the heart of their extraordinary rise.

The Turkish top flight has welcomed a host of household names in recent seasons, including the likes of Mo Salah, Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sane and Romelu Lukaku, with some of European football’s biggest clubs assembling squads packed with international pedigree.

Yet after six matches, those established powers have been forced to look up the table at a side few expected to be setting the pace. And Bates - affectionately dubbed the “Ginger Ramos” during his time in Scotland - has played a central role in the fairy tale.

The four-times capped Scotland international joined Amed SK during the summer on a two-year contract and has started every game since his arrival, providing experience and defensive solidity to a team making an immediate impression at the highest level.

Their opening weeks have already included a statement victory over Trabzonspor, who counted former Liverpool star Salah among their ranks, before another major scalp arrived this weekend.

Amed went into the international break at the top of the Super Lig after edging out Besiktas 3-2 in a remarkable encounter which contained almost everything: five goals, 14 yellow cards and a red.

Bates completed the full 90 minutes as Amed held their nerve to claim another notable victory and maintain their unbeaten start.

The match also provided a curious Rangers connection, with three former Ibrox players involved, with Ridvan Yilmaz and Vaclav Cerny both featuring for Besiktas. Former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu was also involved for the losing side.

The result represented far more than another three points for Amed as the club paid tribute to their supporters for generating a special atmosphere throughout the contest.

The club’s official Instagram account captured the mood afterwards with the declaration: “THIS VICTORY IS ALL OF US!”

“This victory is not just a 3-2 score on the field; it is the shared joy of the great Amedspor family who became one with their stands, their streets and their cities,” the club added.

Bates and his team-mates will now have to wait until October 10 before attempting to extend their extraordinary run, when they travel to face Genclerbirligi.

Konyaspor then visit before another away assignment against Samsunspor brings October to a close. The challenge will be to maintain their momentum when the established order inevitably begins to respond.

In the short term, Amed sit above the division’s heavyweights - and Bates, once a bright prospect, has been an integral part of a story that few could have predicted when the season began.

At 29, he is savouring a new chapter in his career, bringing the experience accumulated during his time in Scotland, England and Germany to a club attempting to establish itself among Turkey’s elite in one of the most intriguing early-season stories in European football.