Michael Oakes

Michael Oakes (born October 30, 1973, Northwich, England) is a Football (soccer). His position is goalkeeper. He is currently playing for Cardiff City F.C.. He is the son of former Manchester City F.C. footballer Alan Oakes.

Having previously played for Aston Villa F.C. (in which time he was loaned to Scarborough F.C.), Oakes joined Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. in October 1999 for £450,000, and soon ousted long-serving Mike Stowell as number one at Molineux. He remained as the first-team goalkeeper until September 2002, when he suffered a shoulder injury and was replaced by rookie Matt Murray (footballer). Murray's impressive form kept Oakes out on his return, and he was not in the starting line-up for Wolves' play-off success against Sheffield United F.C. at the Millennium Stadium in May 2003.

However, the fortunes of the two keepers turned in August 2003, when Murray sustained a back injury, and Oakes stepped into the breach for Wanderers' inaugural Premiership campaign. He performed admirably in what was a tough season, but was controversially replaced by new signing Paul Jones in January 2004.

Oakes regained his place in October 2004, but his subsequent form was not as impressive as it had previously been and he once again lost his place in October 2005, to Stefan Postma. Although Postma was later released, Murray's return to fitness meant that Oakes continued as deputy in 2006-07 in English football. He was given a free transfer in May 2007. Upon his release, Oakes drew Murray praised his former colleague, stating that "I learned a lot from him and he has always been very supportive of me. Whoever signs him is going to have a top keeper."

In July 2007 Oakes signed for Cardiff City F.C. on a one year-deal.