Yates signed professionally for Rotherham United in 2014. He scored his first senior goal while on loan at Harrogate Railway Athletic in February 2015.[3] He made his debut in the Football League on 3 April 2015, coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for Richard Smallwood in a 2–1 defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrew's.[4] He had a loan spell with Harrogate Town cut short during the 2015–16 season as the Millers needed cover due to injuries.[5] During Yates's loan spell at Harrogate Town he totalled eight appearances and scored four goals. He scored his first professional goals for Rotherham when he scored twice in a 5–4 EFL Cup loss against Morecambe on 9 August 2016.[6] On 14 January 2017 he scored the opening goal against Norwich City on his full league debut. Rotherham United went on to win the game 2–1.[7]

Yates would make 20 appearances throughout the 2017–18 season, helping Rotherham achieve promotion via the EFL League One play-offs.

Carlisle United loan Edit
On 20 July 2018, Yates headed out on loan to League Two side Carlisle United until January for the 2018–19 season. He scored his first goal for Carlisle in a 3-2 EFL Trophy win over Morecambe on 4 September 2018.[8] Yates scored an 88th-minute winner in a 2–1 win at home to Macclesfield Town in Carlisle's last match of 2018. It was his sixth goal in as many games.[9] Yates was recalled by Rotherham on 1 January to provide cover for injuries.[10]

Swindon Town loan Edit
On 20 June 2019, Yates joined League Two team Swindon Town on a season-long loan.[11] He scored his first goal for Swindon in a 2–0 win away to Scunthorpe on the opening weekend of the EFL League Two season. He scored his second goal in a 3–2 win at home to his old club, Carlisle on 10 August 2019. After scoring twelve goals in the first half of the season, he was recalled early from his loan spell on 21 January 2020. On 29 January 2020 Yates rejoined Swindon Town on loan until the end season.[12]

Blackpool Edit
Yates joined Blackpool for an undisclosed fee on 21 July 2020, signing a three-year contract, with the club having the option to extend it for a further year.[13] He scored his first goals for the club when he netted twice in a 2–1 win over Burton Albion on 31 October 2020.[14]

Yates ended the 2020–21 season as Blackpool's top scorer, with 23 goals. 20 of those came in the League, which is the joint-highest total scored by a Blackpool player since Andy Watson in 1993–94.[15]

Yates was voted the PFA Fans' Player of the Year for the 2020–21 League One campaign.[16] He signed a new three-year contract with the club on 23 July 2021. It included an option for a further twelve months.[17]
Blackpool Football Club is delighted to announce Jerry Yates has signed a new three-year contract.

The 24-year-old’s new deal, which includes an option for a further 12 months, will see the striker remain with the Seasiders until at least June 2024.

Yates enjoyed an incredible debut season at Bloomfield Road, scoring 23 goals in all competitions to help the Club secure promotion back to the Sky Bet Championship for the first time since 2015.

His individual contribution to Blackpool’s success was rewarded even further, with the frontman awarded the Player’s Player of the Season and PFA Player of the Season awards.

On signing his new contract with the Club, Jerry Yates said:

“I’m delighted to be extending my stay here and really looking forward to the future.

“Last season was the highlight of my career so far. To gain promotion at Wembley, particularly given the tough start we had, was a fantastic achievement by everyone at the Club.

“For the owner and gaffer to show so much faith in me and offer me a new deal is a nice feeling. I’ll work to repay that faith on the pitch over the course of next season and beyond. I can’t wait for what’s to come.”