26 Facts About Matt Oakley

Matthew Oakley was born on 17 August 1977 and is an English football coach and former professional footballer.

Matt Oakley played in the Premier League for Derby County who he had captained the club to promotion via the Championship play-offs in 2007.

Matt Oakley played for Championship side Leicester City where he was the team captain from 2008 to 2011.

Matt Oakley enjoyed an injury-free season when he captained the team to promotion as league winners at the first attempt.

Matt Oakley finished his career playing for Exeter City, in League One and League Two.

Matt Oakley would remain a regular player for most of the next decade.

Matt Oakley felt he was "very lucky" after he recovered in May 2004.

Matt Oakley aggravated his injury again during Southampton's trip to Sweden, missing out on the start of the following season.

On 28 June 2006, Matt Oakley rejected Burley's offer, and absented himself from pre-season training.

Matt Oakley's departure ended 12 years of service after having played a total of 311 games for the club.

Matt Oakley then spent pre-season training with then Premier League team Charlton Athletic, who offered him a one-year deal, and was chased by Ipswich Town.

Matt Oakley was immediately named team captain, with Michael Johnson becoming club captain.

Matt Oakley scored the winner in the home match against West Bromwich Albion.

However, Matt Oakley admitted that the Derby squad still lacked Premier League experience and felt the need for additional signings.

Matt Oakley enjoyed a short partnership with Stephen Clemence in central midfield before the latter was injured in March 2008.

Matt Oakley became captain the following season due to club captain Stephen Clemence's long-term injury.

In January 2009, Matt Oakley played exceptionally well during his temporary partnership with on-loan midfielder Mark Davies.

Matt Oakley played a key role in helping Leicester to a 23-game unbeaten run from September 2008 to March 2009.

Matt Oakley led by example with a series of commanding displays, scoring eight goals to help Leicester secure their promotion as League One champions.

Matt Oakley signed a new contract with the club on 24 March 2011, which would last until June 2012.

Matt Oakley played a total of 36 competitive games, as Leicester finished the season in 10th position.

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

On 30 September 2011, Matt Oakley joined League One side Exeter City on loan for a month with the option of extending it until the end of the season.

Tisdale's concern about "taking somebody back that's injured", coupled with Leicester being unable to confirm Matt Oakley's availability made it unlikely he will rejoin Exeter on loan.

Matt Oakley showed tremendous promise as a teenager and Gordon Strachan tipped him for the England squad in February 2003.

Matt 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".