{{Short description|British footballer (born 1977)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Matt Oakley | image = Oakley, Matt.jpg | image_size = 250 | alt = Oakley in 2009 | caption = Oakley in 2009 | full_name = Matthew Oakley<ref name="Hugman2010-11">{{cite book | editor-first = Barry J. | editor-last = Hugman | title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 | year = 2010 | publisher = Mainstream Publishing | location = Edinburgh | isbn = 978-1-84596-601-0 | page = 313 }}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1977|8|17}}<ref name="Hugman2010-11"/> | birth_place = Peterborough, England | death_date = | height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}<ref name="Hugman2010-11"/> <!-- Or, {{height|m=1.80}} --> | position = Midfielder | currentclub = | youthyears1 = 1993–1994 | youthclubs1 = Southampton | years1 = 1994–2006 | clubs1 = Southampton | caps1 = 261 | goals1 = 14 | years2 = 2006–2008 | clubs2 = Derby County | caps2 = 56 | goals2 = 9 | years3 = 2008–2012 | clubs3 = Leicester City | caps3 = 137 | goals3 = 10 | years4 = 2011 | clubs4 = → Exeter City (loan) | caps4 = 7 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2012–2017 | clubs5 = Exeter City | caps5 = 153 | goals5 = 0 | totalcaps = 614 | totalgoals = 33 | nationalyears1 = 1997–1998 | nationalteam1 = England U21 | nationalcaps1 = 3 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | manageryears1 = 2017–2018 | managerclubs1 = Exeter City (assistant) | manageryears2 = 2018–2019 | managerclubs2 = Milton Keynes Dons (assistant) | medaltemplates = {{medal|Team|Southampton}} {{medal|RU|FA Cup|2003}} {{medal|Team|Leicester City}} {{medal|W|Football League One|2009}} }}
'''Matthew Oakley''' (born 17 August 1977) is an English football coach and former professional footballer.
As a player, he was a midfielder, notably in the Premier League with Southampton playing there for over a decade, including their defeat to Arsenal in the 2003 FA Cup Final. However, a proneness to injury cost him nearly two years of football but managed 261 league appearances during his time with the club. He also played in the Premier League for Derby County who he had captained the club to promotion via the Championship play-offs in 2007.<ref name="Play-off final photos">{{citation|title = Play-off final photos|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6698365.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 28 May 2007 |access-date =1 February 2010}}</ref> He also played for Championship side Leicester City where he was the team captain from 2008 to 2011. He could not prevent their relegation to League One. He enjoyed an injury-free season when he captained the team to promotion as league winners at the first attempt.<ref name="Leicester City's season in photos"/> He finished his career playing for Exeter City, in League One and League Two.
Following retirement, Oakley was added to the Coaching staff at Exeter by manager Paul Tisdale in 2017 as Assistant Manager he then followed Tisdale to Milton Keynes Dons as assistant manager but was dismissed in 2019.
== Club career == === Southampton === Born in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire,<ref name="Hugman2010-11"/> 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.<ref name="Matthew Oakley profile"/> His skilful displays for Southampton were star studded that he would watch video clips of himself in action.<ref name="Clips inspire Oakley">{{cite news|title = Clips inspire Oakley|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2259321,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 4 March 2003 |accessdate =2 February 2010}}</ref> He played for Southampton in the 2003 FA Cup final against Arsenal, finishing runners-up as they lost 1–0.<ref name="Arsenal retain FA Cup">{{cite news| title = Arsenal retain FA Cup| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3025589.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 17 May 2003 | access-date =10 April 2009}}</ref>
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.<ref name="Matt Oakley - Southampton FC - Football-Heroes.net">{{citation|url = http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/southampton-fc/matt-oakley-8798/league-appearances-for-the-saints_a17075/|title=Matt OAKLEY - League appearances for The Saints. - Southampton FC }}</ref>
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.<ref name="Oakley out for six weeks">{{cite news|title = Oakley out for six weeks|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2277498,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 2 October 2003|accessdate =2 February 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Oakley out for season">{{cite news|title = Oakley out for season|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2280911,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 17 November 2003|accessdate =2 February 2010}}</ref> Oakley felt he was "very lucky" after he recovered in May 2004.<ref name="Oakley: I was very lucky">{{cite news|title = Oakley: I was very lucky|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2300786,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 30 May 2004 |accessdate =1 February 2010}}</ref> He aggravated his injury again during Southampton's trip to Sweden, missing out on the start of the following season.<ref name="Oakley out of Saints opener">{{cite news|title = Oakley out of Saints opener|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2306840,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 3 May 2005|accessdate =2 February 2010}}</ref>
His injury proneness nearly cost him two years of football in his last seasons at Southampton.<ref name="Summer blues melt away for Oakley">{{cite news| title = Summer blues melt away for Oakley| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4798973.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 17 August 2006| access-date =28 October 2013| first=John| last=May}}</ref> Oakley spent majority of the 2004–05 season recuperating on the sidelines, suffering another setback along the way,<ref name="New setback for Oakley">{{cite news|title = New setback for Oakley|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2317695,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 23 November 2004|accessdate =2 February 2010}}</ref> while Southampton struggled for form.<ref name="Oakley fears for Saints">{{cite news|title = Oakley fears for Saints|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2320753,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 28 December 2004|accessdate =1 February 2010}}</ref> In January 2005, Rotherham United offered to sign him on loan in an effort to help him regain his fitness.<ref name="Millers chase Oakley">{{cite news|title = Millers chase Oakley|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2323976,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 16 January 2005 |accessdate =1 February 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Southampton 1-2 Man Utd">{{cite news|title = Southampton 1–2 Man Utd|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4525113.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 15 May 2005|access-date =1 February 2010}}</ref>
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.<ref name="Matt Oakley - Southampton FC - Football-Heroes.net" /> He played his last match for Southampton in a 3–0 league win over Sheffield Wednesday on 25 February 2006.<ref name="Southampton 3-0 Sheff Wed">{{cite news|title = Southampton 3–0 Sheff Wed|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/4727074.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 25 February 2006|access-date =1 February 2010}}</ref> 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."<ref name="Saints chance for Svensson">{{cite news|title = Saints chance for Svensson|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2375660,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 5 May 2006|accessdate =1 February 2010}}</ref> Unconvinced with Oakley's form, he was only offered a one-year extension to his contract.<ref name="Summer blues melt away for Oakley"/>
{{Quote box | width=30% | align=right | quote= "I spent 12 years at a fantastic club, but they are in a bad position. I'm hoping that we are going to take the points, but I will be sad if they're dropping down the table."|source= <small>On his return to Southampton with Leicester City in March 2008.<ref name="Oakley relishing Southampton test">{{cite news|title = Oakley relishing Southampton test|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7288321.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date =11 March 2008 |access-date = 28 October 2013}}</ref></small>}} On 28 June 2006, Oakley rejected Burley's offer,<ref name="Oakley set for Southampton exit">{{cite news| title = Oakley set for Southampton exit| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5121624.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 28 June 2006 | access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> and absented himself from pre-season training.<ref name="Saints fear Oakley exit">{{cite news| title = Saints fear Oakley exit| url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2381701,00.html| publisher = Sky Sports| date = 27 July 2006| accessdate =8 April 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Summer blues melt away for Oakley"/> His departure ended 12 years of service after having played a total of 311 games for the club.<ref name="Matthew Oakley profile">{{cite web|url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10274~5980,00.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218091951/http://www.lcfc.com/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10274~5980%2C00.html |archivedate=18 February 2012 |title=Matthew Oakley profile |publisher=LCFC.com |accessdate=28 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Oakley then spent pre-season training with then Premier League team Charlton Athletic, who offered him a one-year deal,<ref name="Oakley: Rams over The Prem">{{cite news| title = Oakley: Rams over The Prem| url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11684_2386649,00.html| publisher = Sky Sports| date = 9 August 2006| accessdate =8 April 2009}}</ref> and was also chased by Ipswich Town.<ref name="Magilton eyes Saints swoop">{{cite news| title = Magilton eyes Saints swoop| url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11700_2382832,00.html| publisher = Sky Sports| date = 5 July 2006| accessdate =8 April 2009}}</ref>
=== Derby County === [[File:MattOakley02.jpg|thumb|Oakley in his Derby County days]] On 4 August 2006, he signed a three-year contract with Derby County on a free transfer.<ref name="Derby swoop for Oakley and Smith">{{cite news| title = Derby swoop for Oakley and Smith| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5250276.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 6 August 2006 | access-date =28 October 2013 }}</ref> Oakley was immediately named team captain, with Michael Johnson becoming club captain.<ref name="New boy Oakley named Rams skipper">{{cite news| title = New boy Oakley named Rams skipper| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5253498.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 7 August 2006| access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> He made his debut in a 2–0 defeat to Stoke City on 8 August 2006.<ref name="Summer blues melt away for Oakley" /><ref name="Stoke 2-0 Derby">{{cite news|title = Stoke 2–0 Derby|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/5248144.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 8 August 2006|access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref>
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.<ref name="Derby 1-0 West Brom">{{cite news|title = Derby 1–0 West Brom|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/6689971.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 28 May 2007|access-date =1 February 2010|first=Paul|last=Fletcher}}</ref>
However, Oakley admitted that the Derby squad still lacked Premier League experience and felt the need for additional signings.<ref name="Oakley: We need strengthening">{{cite news|title = Oakley: We need strengthening|url = http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11696/2653707/|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 10 August 2007|accessdate =28 October 2013}}</ref> 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."<ref name="Oakley - We must beat Bolton">{{cite news|title = Oakley – We must beat Bolton|url = http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11696/3015554/|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 2 January 2008 |accessdate =28 October 2013}}</ref> Derby lost the match 1–0.<ref name="Bolton 1-0 Derby">{{cite news|title = Bolton 1–0 Derby|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7163896.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 3 January 2008 |access-date =1 February 2010|first=Jonathan|last=Stevenson}}</ref> That same month, Derby granted Leicester City permission to open contract talks with Oakley.<ref name="Foxes agree Oakley fee">{{cite news| title = Foxes agree Oakley fee| url = http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11696/3038691/| publisher = Sky Sports| date = 11 January 2008 | accessdate =28 October 2013}}</ref> He played his last match for the club in a 2–2 FA Cup draw against Sheffield Wednesday on 6 January 2008.<ref name="Derby 2-2 Sheff Wed">{{cite news|title = Derby 2–2 Sheff Wed|url = https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7163997.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 26 January 2008 |access-date =5 February 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Oakley recovers from ankle injury">{{cite news|title = Oakley recovers from ankle injury|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6197765.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 20 December 2006|access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref>
=== Leicester City === thumb|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.<ref name="Oakley secures Leicester switch">{{cite news|title = Oakley secures Leicester switch|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7182920.stm|publisher = BBC|date = 11 January 2008|access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> Surprised at being allowed to leave Pride Park,<ref name="Oakley excited by Foxes challenge">{{cite news| title = Oakley excited by Foxes challenge| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7204277.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 23 January 2008| access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> he was reunited with Derby teammate Steve Howard, who had joined Leicester ten days earlier.<ref name="Oakley secures Leicester switch"/> Chairman Milan Mandarić described the signing as "very, very important."<ref name="Oakley secures Leicester switch"/><ref name="Mandaric delighted at Oakley capture">{{cite news|title = Mandaric delighted at Oakley capture|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_7180000/newsid_7184000/7184019.stm?bw=nb&mp=wm&news=1&bbcws=1|publisher = BBC Sport Player|access-date =2 February 2010 | date=11 January 2008}}</ref> Oakley made his league debut in an M69 derby on 12 January, beating Coventry City 2–0 at the Walkers Stadium.<ref name="Leicester 2-0 Coventry">{{cite news | title = Leicester 2–0 Coventry| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7172833.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 12 January 2008| access-date =12 January 2008}}</ref> He enjoyed a short partnership with Stephen Clemence in central midfield before the latter was injured in March 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title = Oakley enjoying Clemence link-up|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_7250000/newsid_7258400/7258473.stm?bw=nb&mp=wm&news=1&nol_storyid=7258473&bbcws=1|publisher = BBC Sport Player|access-date =2 February 2010 | date=22 February 2008}}</ref> Oakley's arrival could not prevent the club's season from ending in relegation.<ref name="Stoke 0-0 Leicester">{{cite news| title = Stoke 0–0 Leicester| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7368631.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date =4 May 2008| access-date =5 April 2009| first=Paresh| last=Soni}}</ref>
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).<ref name="Foxes' confidence high - Oakley">{{cite news| title = Foxes' confidence high – Oakley| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7787861.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 17 December 2008 | access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> He scored his first league goal for the club in a 4–0 win over Cheltenham Town on 30 August 2008.<ref name="Cheltenham 0-4 Leicester">{{cite news | title = Cheltenham 0–4 Leicester | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/7578327.stm | publisher = BBC Sport | date =30 August 2008| access-date =30 August 2008}}</ref> Despite leading the club to a four-point lead at the top of League One by December 2008, Oakley warned his teammates of complacency.<ref name="We cannot be complacent - Oakley">{{cite news|title = We cannot be complacent – Oakley|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7795486.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 22 December 2008 |access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref>
In January 2009, Oakley played exceptionally well during his temporary partnership with on-loan midfielder Mark Davies.<ref name="Foxes delighted at Davies' return">{{cite news|title = Foxes delighted at Davies' return|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7823857.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 12 January 2009 |access-date =28 October 2013 }}</ref> His superb form during that month earned him the League One Player of the Month award on 9 February.<ref name="Oakley named player of the month">{{cite news| title = Oakley named player of the month| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7881309.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date =10 February 2009 | access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> He played a key role in helping Leicester to a 23-game unbeaten run from September 2008 to March 2009.<ref name="Promotion so close, says Oakley">{{cite news| title = Promotion so close, says Oakley| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7914456.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 27 February 2009 | access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> He led by example with a series of commanding displays, scoring eight goals to help Leicester secure their promotion as League One champions.<ref name="Leicester City's season in photos">{{cite news| title = Leicester City's season in photos| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7996756.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 20 April 2009| access-date =10 May 2009}}</ref> Oakley was named in the League One PFA Team of the Year together with teammates Jack Hobbs and Matty Fryatt on 26 April 2009.<ref name="Giggs earns prestigious PFA award">{{cite news|title = Giggs earns prestigious PFA award|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8019726.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 26 April 2009 |access-date =2 February 2010}}</ref> His goal against Cheltenham Town on 7 March 2009,<ref name="Leicester 4-0 Cheltenham">{{cite news|title = Leicester 4–0 Cheltenham|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7910443.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 7 March 2009 |access-date =2 February 2010}}</ref> was voted Leicester's goal of the season in April 2009.<ref name="Foxes can go straight up - Howard">{{cite news|title = Foxes can go straight up – Howard|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8024467.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 29 April 2009 |access-date =28 October 2013 }}</ref>
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.<ref name="Oakley happy with Leicester start">{{cite news|title = Oakley happy with Leicester start|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8258835.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 17 September 2009 |access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> In early December 2009 however, Leicester were heavily beaten by Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.<ref name="Matt Oakley believes Leicester are back on track"/> But after following from those losses by beating Sheffield Wednesday 3–0 on 12 December, Oakley believed they were back on track.<ref name="Matt Oakley believes Leicester are back on track">{{cite news|title = Matt Oakley believes Leicester are back on track|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8427894.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 23 December 2009|access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> Compared to last season, he suffered a goal famine and admitted he needed to contribute more as an attacking force.<ref name="Leicester City's Matt Oakley bids to end goal famine">{{cite news |title = Leicester City's Matt Oakley bids to end goal famine|url = http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicester-City-s-Matt-Oakley-bids-end-goal-famine/story-12033351-detail/story.html|publisher = Leicester Mercury|date = 22 January 2010 |accessdate =28 October 2013 }}</ref> In February 2010, the club adopted the 4–3–3 formation, with a midfield trio comprising Oakley, Wellens and Andy King.<ref name="New Leicester City formation is working - Matt Oakley">{{cite news |title = New Leicester City formation is working – Matt Oakley|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8520343.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 17 February 2010 |access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> He made his 100th competitive game for Leicester in a 1–1 draw against Bristol City on 16 February,<ref name="Bristol City 1 - 1 Leicester">{{cite news|title = Bristol City 1–1 Leicester|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8510855.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 6 February 2010 |access-date =18 February 2010}}</ref> and his 100th league appearance in a 2–1 defeat to Reading at the Walkers Stadium on 24 March.<ref name="Leicester 1 - 2 Reading">{{cite news|title = Leicester 1–2 Reading|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8573389.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 24 March 2010 |access-date =25 March 2010}}</ref> Oakley played a total of 38 league matches to help Leicester qualify for the Championship play-offs,<ref name="Matthew Oakley profile"/> but was not selected for the semi-final legs as Cardiff City won 4–3 on penalties.<ref name="Cardiff 2 - 3 Leicester (agg 3 - 3)">{{cite news|title = Cardiff 2–3 Leicester (agg 3–3)|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8672579.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 12 May 2010|access-date =13 May 2010|first=Peter|last=Shuttleworth}}</ref>
In the 2010–11 season, Oakley played his 500th competitive match in a 2–0 defeat to Millwall on 28 December 2010.<ref name="Oakley Thankful For Tremendous Support">{{cite web|url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~2250798,00.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227042348/http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~2250798%2C00.html |archivedate=27 December 2010 |title=Oakley Thankful For Tremendous Support |publisher=LCFC.com |date=24 December 2010 |accessdate=28 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Millwall 2 - 0 Leicester">{{cite news|title = Millwall 2 – 0 Leicester|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/9319810.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 28 December 2010|access-date =2 January 2011}}</ref> He signed a new contract with the club on 24 March 2011,<ref name="Matt Oakley signs extended Leicester City deal">{{cite news|title = Matt Oakley signs extended Leicester City deal|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9434873.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 24 March 2011|access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> which would last until June 2012.<ref name="Oakley Agrees New Contract">{{cite web|url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~2323267,00.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920200835/http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~2323267%2C00.html |archivedate=20 September 2011 |title=Oakley Agrees New Contract |publisher=LCFC.com |date=23 May 2011 |accessdate=28 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The following day, Oakley relinquished his position as captain and handed over the role to teammate Andy King.<ref name="Matt Oakley hands Andy King Leicester City captain's armband">{{cite news|title = Matt Oakley hands Andy King Leicester City captain's armband|url = http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/oakley-hands-king-captain-s-armband/story-12025968-detail/story.html|publisher = Leicester Mercury|date = 25 March 2011|accessdate =28 October 2013}}</ref> He finally scored his first league goal since April 2009 in a 1–1 draw against Crystal Palace on 12 April 2011,<ref name="Leicester 1 - 1 Crystal Palace">{{cite news|title = Leicester 1 – 1 Crystal Palace|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/12968157|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 12 April 2011|access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> followed by another on 22 April in a 3–2 defeat to Nottingham Forest.<ref name="Nott'm Forest 3 - 2 Leicester">{{cite news|title = Nott'm Forest 3 – 2 Leicester|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13090443|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 22 April 2011|access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> Oakley played a total of 36 competitive games,<ref name="Sven-Goran Eriksson denies Matt Oakley is set for Derby"/> as Leicester finished the season in 10th position.<ref name="Leicester 4 - 2 Ipswich">{{cite news|title = Leicester 4 – 2 Ipswich|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13247140|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 7 May 2011|access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref>
On 20 March 2012, Oakley agreed by mutual consent to have his contract ended.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former skipper Matt Oakley to leave Leicester City|url=http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/skipper-Matt-Oakley-leave-Leicester-City/story-15599578-detail/story.html|publisher=Leicester Mercury|accessdate=8 April 2012|date=28 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029220727/http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/skipper-Matt-Oakley-leave-Leicester-City/story-15599578-detail/story.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Exeter City === Despite playing only twice in the League Cup for the 2011–12 season, Leicester denied that Oakley was to rejoin Derby County on loan.<ref name="Sven-Goran Eriksson denies Matt Oakley is set for Derby">{{cite news|title = Sven-Goran Eriksson denies Matt Oakley is set for Derby|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14929719|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 15 September 2011|access-date =28 October 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exeter City sign Leicester City's Matt Oakley on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15129783|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=30 September 2011|date=28 October 2013}}</ref> He made his debut in a 2–0 win over Oldham Athletic on 1 October 2011,<ref>{{cite web|title = Exeter 2–0 Oldham|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15045702|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 1 October 2011|access-date =9 March 2012}}</ref> drawing praise from manager Paul Tisdale for his performance.<ref>{{cite web|title = Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale hails Matt Oakley debut|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15148671|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 3 October 2011|access-date =9 March 2012}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title = Exeter City boss Tisdale fears for consistency|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15620256|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 7 November 2011|access-date =9 March 2012}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title = Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale looks to bring in loanees|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15833662|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 22 November 2011|access-date =9 March 2012}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exeter's Paul Tisdale persuaded Matt Oakley to continue playing|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19153770|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 January 2016|date=6 August 2012}}</ref>
Oakley retired as a player at the end of the 2016–17 season,<ref>{{cite news |title=Matt Oakley: Exeter and ex-Southampton midfielder to retire at end of season |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39967275 |access-date=27 January 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 March 2017}}</ref> after the 2–1 defeat by Blackpool in the end of season play-offs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Law |first1=James |title=Blackpool 2 Exeter City 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39989418 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=6 June 2018 |date=28 May 2017}}</ref>
== International career == Oakley has three caps for the England U21 team. He showed tremendous promise as a teenager and Gordon Strachan tipped him for the England squad in February 2003.<ref name="Oakley backed for England">{{cite news| title = Oakley backed for England| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/2731193.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 5 February 2003 | access-date =8 April 2009}}</ref> While he was rumoured to be under serious consideration,<ref name="Rooney tipped for England spot">{{cite news|title = Rooney tipped for England spot|url = http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11671_2257161,00.html|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 8 February 2003 |accessdate =2 February 2010}}</ref> he was not named in the first squad of 2003 for the friendly against Australia.<ref name="Aussies stun England">{{cite news|title = Aussies stun England|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2751635.stm|publisher = Sky Sports|date = 13 February 2003 |access-date =2 February 2010}}</ref>
==Coaching career== After a year coaching at Exeter City, on 6 June 2018 Oakley moved with manager Paul Tisdale to Milton Keynes Dons as assistant manager.<ref>{{cite web |title=MK Dons appoint former Exeter City boss |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44355797 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=6 June 2018 |date=6 June 2018}}</ref> After achieving promotion with MK Dons from League Two at the conclusion of the 2018–19 season, Oakley's contract with the club was terminated along with manager Paul Tisdale on 2 November 2019 following a poor run of results.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50277858 |title=Paul Tisdale: MK Dons part company with manager after eight defeats in nine games |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 November 2019 |accessdate=3 November 2019 }}</ref>
==Other interests== Oakley is known to be a collector of South American red-bellied piranha, stating "I wanted something unusual, and piranhas certainly make feeding time interesting".<ref name="Top 10 weird hobbies of the stars">{{cite news| title = Top 10 weird hobbies of the stars| url = http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/the-rundown/article/8023/| publisher = Yahoo!| date =5 September 2011| accessdate =5 September 2011 }}</ref>
== Career statistics == {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|FA Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other{{efn|Includes Football League Trophy and Football League play-off.}} !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="13"|Southampton |1994–95<ref name="leicester city profile">{{cite news|title=Matt Oakley - Career History |url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10274~5980,00.html |publisher=Leicester City Football Club |accessdate=29 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218091951/http://www.lcfc.com/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10274~5980%2C00.html |archivedate=18 February 2012 }}</ref> |Premier League |1||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||1||0 |- |1995–96<ref name="leicester city profile"/> |Premier League |10||0||3||1||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||13||1 |- |1996–97<ref name="leicester city profile"/> |Premier League |28||3||1||0||6||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||35||3 |- |1997–98<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|1997|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |33||1||1||0||4||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||38||1 |- |1998–99<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|1998|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |22||2||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||24||2 |- |1999–00<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|1999|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |31||3||1||0||4||2||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||36||5 |- |2000–01<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2000|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |35||1||3||0||3||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||41||1 |- |2001–02<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2001|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |27||1||0||0||3||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||30||1 |- |2002–03<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2002|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |31||0||7||2||2||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||40||2 |- |2003–04<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2003|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |7||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||1||0||8||0 |- |2004–05<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2004|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |7||1||5||1||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||12||2 |- |2005–06<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2005|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Championship |29||2||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||31||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total !261!!14!!25!!4!!22!!2!!colspan="2"|–!!1!!0!!309!!20 |- |rowspan="3"|Derby County |2006–07<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2006|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Championship |37||6||1||0||1||0||3{{efn|Three appearances in Championship play-offs}}||0||colspan="2"|–||42||6 |- |2007–08<ref name="soccerbase 2007-08">{{Soccerbase season|5958|2007|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |19||3||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||20||3 |- !colspan="2"|Total !56!!9!!2!!0!!1!!0!!3!!0!!colspan="2"|–!!62!!9 |- |rowspan="6"|Leicester City |2007–08<ref name="soccerbase 2007-08"/> |Championship |20||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||20||0 |- |2008–09<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2008|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |League One |45||8||2||0||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|–||48||8 |- |2009–10<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2009|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Championship |38||0||2||0||2||0||0{{efn|Oakley did not appear in either of Leicester City's 2 Championship play-off matches.}}||0||colspan="2"|–||42||0 |- |2010–11<ref>{{Soccerbase season|5958|2010|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Championship |34||2||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||36||2 |- |2011-12<ref name="soccerbase 2011-12">{{Soccerbase season|5958|2011|name=Matt Oakley|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> |Championship |0||0||0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||2||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !137!!10!!5!!0!!5!!0!!1!!0!!colspan="2"|–!!148!!10 |- |Exeter City (loan) |2011–12<ref name="soccerbase 2011-12"/> |League One |7||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||7||0 |- |rowspan="6"|Exeter City |2012–13<ref>{{soccerbase season|5958|2012|accessdate=29 November 2015}}</ref> |League Two |36||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||37||0 |- |2013–14<ref>{{soccerbase season|5958|2013|accessdate=29 November 2015}}</ref> |League Two |24||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||24||0 |- |2014–15<ref>{{soccerbase season|5958|2014|accessdate=29 November 2015}}</ref> |League Two |45||0||1||0||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|–||48||0 |- |2015–16<ref>{{soccerbase season|5958|2015|accessdate=8 January 2016}}</ref> |League Two |29||0||3||0||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||33||0 |- |2016–17<ref>{{soccerbase season|5958|2016|accessdate=13 June 2017}}</ref> |League Two |19||0||1||0||0||0||3||0||colspan="2"|–||23||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !153!!0!!6!!0!!2!!0!!4!!0!!colspan="2"|–!!165!!0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !614!!33!!38!!4!!30!!2!!8!!0!!1!!0!!691!!39 |}
{{notelist}}
==Honours== '''Southampton''' *FA Cup runners-up: 2002–03
'''Derby County''' *Football League Championship play-offs: 2006–07
'''Leicester City''' *Football League One: 2008–09
'''Individual''' *PFA Team of the Year: 2008–09 League One
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|Matthew Oakley}} *{{Soccerbase}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20120218091951/http://www.lcfc.com/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10274~5980%2C00.html Leicester City profile] *[http://www.thefa.com/england/All-Teams/Players?p=341278 England profile] at The Football Association
{{Navboxes colour |title=Awards |bg=gold |fg=navy |list1= {{2008–09 Football League One Team of the Year}} }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Oakley, Matthew}} Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Peterborough Category:English men's footballers Category:England men's under-21 international footballers Category:Men's association football midfielders Category:Southampton F.C. players Category:Derby County F.C. players Category:Leicester City F.C. players Category:Exeter City F.C. players Category:Premier League players Category:English Football League players Category:Milton Keynes Dons F.C. non-playing staff