Another of the seemingly endless stream of football talent that came to Turf Moor from the North East in the 1950's and 1960's, Ralph was serving his apprenticeship as a fitter at Eppleton Colliery when invited to Burnley for a trial in October 1961. He joined the groundstaff, later signing as an apprentice and became a professional in 1963.

A center forward in his early days, Coates was soon amongst the goals in the junior teams and in December 1964, he was given a chance in the First Division, coming in for Andy Lochhead to partner Willie Irvine up front.

His first League goal came in his third appearance and by the next season he has established himself as a regular, helping the Clarets to third place in the First Division and qualification for the European Fairs Cup.

Ralph was a versatile player and , but at his best in a wide midfield role. He was fast for one so stocky and his boundless energy and whole-hearted approach made him a popular figure at Turf Moor.

He won the first of eight under 23 caps in 1967 and he later played for the Football League. It was only a matter of time before he was called into the full England squad and in April 1970, he came on as a substitute for England against Northern Ireland and was named in the initial squad for the World Cup squad to travel to Mexico, but he was unfortunately omitted from the final 22.

Following Burnley's relegation in 1970/71, it was inevitable that he would leave Turf Moor and he joined Tottenham Hotspur for £190,000. He went on to win more England caps, a UEFA Cup medal and score in a League Cup Final at Wembley.