Matt Oakley

Born in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire,[1] Oakley joined Southampton's youth training scheme, and made his debut at Everton at the age of 17 on 6 May 1995, whilst still a trainee. He turned professional soon afterwards.[5] His skilful displays for Southampton were star studded that he would watch video clips of himself in action.[6] He played for Southampton in the 2003 FA Cup final against Arsenal, finishing runners-up as they lost 1–0.[7]

He became a regular first team player in the 1996–97 season, when he scored three goals in 28 games as the Saints avoided relegation in 16th place. He would remain a regular player for most of the next decade.[8]

Oakley's injury woes began in September 2003 when he suffered damaged knee ligaments in a 1–0 defeat to Middlesbrough, sidelining him for six weeks.[9] However, he had to undergo an operation in November after aggravating his injury during rehabilitation, keeping him out of contention for the rest of the 2003–04 season.[10] Oakley felt he was "very lucky" after he recovered in May 2004.[11] He aggravated his injury again during Southampton's trip to Sweden, missing out on the start of the following season.[12]

His injury proneness nearly cost him two years of football in his last seasons at Southampton.[2] Oakley spent majority of the 2004–05 season recuperating on the sidelines, suffering another setback along the way,[13] while Southampton struggled for form.[14] In January 2005, Rotherham United offered to sign him on loan in an effort to help him regain his fitness.[15] Oakley watched helplessly as an unused substitute as Southampton were relegated from the Premier League on 15 May 2005, after a 2–1 defeat to Manchester United.[16]

In 2005–06, Oakley was back to full fitness and was once again a first team regular, making 29 league appearances and scoring two goals.[8] He played his last match for Southampton in a 3–0 league win over Sheffield Wednesday on 25 February 2006.[17] Then-manager George Burley commented on Oakley in May 2006, "I've not seen the best of Matt Oakley yet but I believe he can recapture his best form. If he's fully fit again he will be very valuable."[18] Unconvinced with Oakley's form, he was only offered a one-year extension to his contract.[2]

On 28 June 2006, Oakley rejected Burley's offer,[20] and absented himself from pre-season training.[21] As he was then approaching 29, he had hoped for a contract that would take him towards the end of his career – and take in a talked-of testimonial match.[2] His departure ended 12 years of service after having played a total of 311 games for the club.[5] Oakley then spent pre-season training with then Premier League team Charlton Athletic, who offered him a one-year deal,[22] and was also chased by Ipswich Town.[23]

Oakley in his Derby County days

On 4 August 2006, he signed a three-year contract with Derby County on a free transfer.[24] Oakley was immediately named team captain, with Michael Johnson becoming club captain.[25] He made his debut in a 2–0 defeat to Stoke City on 8 August 2006.[2][26]

Oakley's first goal for Derby came in the first away win of the season against Hull City. His lashed half volley sent Derby on their way to a 2–1 win. He also scored the winner in the home match against West Bromwich Albion. His thunderous 30-yard strike capped off a fine comeback by the Rams. And following his trend in scoring sublime goals, Oakley scored a 16-yard half volley into the top of the net proving to be the winner in a 2–1 win. He went on to captain the side to play-off success confirming their return to the Premier League with a 1–0 win over West Bromwich Albion.[27]

However, Oakley admitted that the Derby squad still lacked Premier League experience and felt the need for additional signings.[28] With Derby bottom of the table by 2008, 10 points from safety, Oakley declared that the team had to beat Bolton Wanderers on 3 January or "the season's over."[29] Derby lost the match 1–0.[30] That same month, Derby granted Leicester City permission to open contract talks with Oakley.[31] He played his last match for the club in a 2–2 FA Cup draw against Sheffield Wednesday on 6 January 2008.[32] In his one-and-a-half years at Derby, Oakley was injured only once, a bruised ankle in a match against Crystal Palace in December 2006.[33]

Oakley playing for Leicester City in September 2008

Oakley moved to Leicester City on 11 January 2008 for a fee of £500,000, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.[34] Surprised at being allowed to leave Pride Park,[35] he was reunited with Derby teammate Steve Howard, who had joined Leicester ten days earlier.[34] Chairman Milan Mandarić described the signing as "very, very important."[34][36] Oakley made his league debut in an M69 derby on 12 January, beating Coventry City 2–0 at the Walkers Stadium.[37] He enjoyed a short partnership with Stephen Clemence in central midfield before the latter was injured in March 2008.[38] Oakley's arrival could not prevent the club's season from ending in relegation.[39]

Oakley became captain the following season due to club captain Stephen Clemence's long-term injury (which forced him to retire on Easter Monday 2010).[40] He scored his first league goal for the club in a 4–0 win over Cheltenham Town on 30 August 2008.[41] Despite leading the club to a four-point lead at the top of League One by December 2008, Oakley warned his teammates of complacency.[42]

In January 2009, Oakley played exceptionally well during his temporary partnership with on-loan midfielder Mark Davies.[43] His superb form during that month earned him the League One Player of the Month award on 9 February.[44] He played a key role in helping Leicester to a 23-game unbeaten run from September 2008 to March 2009.[45] He led by example with a series of commanding displays, scoring eight goals to help Leicester secure their promotion as League One champions.[4] Oakley was named in the League One PFA Team of the Year together with teammates Jack Hobbs and Matty Fryatt on 26 April 2009.[46] His goal against Cheltenham Town on 7 March 2009,[47] was voted Leicester's goal of the season in April 2009.[48]

Oakley formed a fine midfield partnership with Richie Wellens as the club made an impressive start to the 2009–10 season, which saw them seventh in the Championship by September 2009.[49] In early December 2009 however, Leicester were heavily beaten by Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.[50] But after following from those losses by beating Sheffield Wednesday 3–0 on 12 December, Oakley believed they were back on track.[50] Compared to last season, he suffered a goal famine and admitted he needed to contribute more as an attacking force.[51] In February 2010, the club adopted the 4–3–3 formation, with a midfield trio comprising Oakley, Wellens and Andy King.[52] He made his 100th competitive game for Leicester in a 1–1 draw against Bristol City on 16 February,[53] and his 100th league appearance in a 2–1 defeat to Reading at the Walkers Stadium on 24 March.[54] Oakley played a total of 38 league matches to help Leicester qualify for the Championship play-offs,[5] but was not selected for the semi-final legs as Cardiff City won 4–3 on penalties.[55]

In the 2010–11 season, Oakley played his 500th competitive match in a 2–0 defeat to Millwall on 28 December 2010.[56][57] He signed a new contract with the club on 24 March 2011,[58] which would last until June 2012.[59] The following day, Oakley relinquished his position as captain and handed over the role to teammate Andy King.[60] He finally scored his first league goal since April 2009 in a 1–1 draw against Crystal Palace on 12 April 2011,[61] followed by another on 22 April in a 3–2 defeat to Nottingham Forest.[62] Oakley played a total of 36 competitive games,[63] as Leicester finished the season in 10th position.[64]

On 20 March 2012, Oakley agreed by mutual consent to have his contract ended.[65]

Despite playing only twice in the League Cup for the 2011–12 season, Leicester denied that Oakley was to rejoin Derby County on loan.[63] On 30 September 2011, Oakley joined League One side Exeter City on loan for a month with the option of extending it until the end of the season.[66] He made his debut in a 2–0 win over Oldham Athletic on 1 October 2011,[67] drawing praise from manager Paul Tisdale for his performance.[68] A thigh injury suffered in a 0–0 draw against Carlisle United on 5 November 2011 forced Oakley to return to Leicester after playing seven league games.[69] Tisdale's concern about "taking somebody back that's injured", coupled with Leicester being unable to confirm Oakley's availability made it unlikely he will rejoin Exeter on loan.[70]

After being released by Leicester Oakley spent the 2012 pre-season training with Exeter City and after much speculation it was announced on 31 July 2012 that he had signed a permanent deal with the Grecians.[71]

Oakley retired as a player at the end of the 2016–17 season,[72] after the 2–1 defeat by Blackpool in the end of season play-offs.[73]