Jackie Oakes

John Oakes (6 December 1919 – 3 December 1995) was a Scottish footballer who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Queen of the South, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City.

Born in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, his position was left winger.

Oakes started his senior football career in England with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1935 signed by Major Frank Buckley.

From official club records, there is no mention of any first-team appearances for Oakes whilst he was at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In 1936, Oakes signed for Dumfries club Queen of the South for the first time signed by George McLachlan.

Players at the club during this time included Willie Savage, Willie Culbert, Willie Ferguson, Joe Tulip and Irish international Laurie Cumming.

His Queens career began with a reserve game against Third Lanark on Christmas Day 1936.

His first team debut was on 24 April 1937 with a hint of irony by playing Hamilton Academical.

Willie Ferguson had recently become the Queen of the South manager.

Oakes at this point played on the right wing despite being ultimately known for playing on the left flank.

Taking a pass from Phil Watson, the mighty Oakes opened the scoring in Queens 1937–38 season ending 3–2 victory against Rangers at Ibrox Park, Queens first ever league win against Rangers.

Jackie Law scored the other two Queens goals that day.

Oakes was at Queens under Jimmy McKinnell Snr when they finished sixth in the league in 1939.

Oakes joined Blackburn Rovers in February 1947 after turning down Manchester City.

Blackburn Rovers paid £26,000 on three players in an attempt to buy the club out of relegation trouble.

These players were Jock Weir, Frank McGorrigan and Oakes.

Oakes made his debut for Blackburn Rovers in the 1–1 draw at home to Derby County on 15 February 1947.

He was an ever-present for the remainder of the season, making a total of 16 appearances and scoring two goals.

His first goal for the club came against that season's eventual league champions, Liverpool, in a 2–1 defeat at Anfield on 8 March 1947.

Oakes' second goal that season came in the 2–0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 4 April 1947.

In season 1947–48, Oakes made 19 appearances in the league and two in the FA Cup, both against West Ham United He scored seven league goals.

His first of the season was also his first at Ewood Park, in the 4–0 win over Grimsby Town on 20 September 1947.

He scored a penalty in the 3–1 win at Maine Road against Manchester City a week later and then made it three goals in as many games after scoring in the 3–2 defeat at home to Preston North End on 4 October 1947.

He scored twice, one being a terrific 13th-minute dribble and drive and the other a penalty, as Blackburn Rovers defeated Bolton Wanderers 4–0 on 1 November 1947.

He then scored the only goals in defeats to Middlesbrough at home on 29 November 1947 and at Goodison Park against Everton on 20 December 1947.

As Blackburn Rovers were relegated from the top tier of English football at the end of season 1947–48, Manchester City stepped in to keep Oakes in the top flight.

His final appearance for Blackburn Rovers came in the 2–1 defeat at home to Liverpool on 10 April 1948.

In total Oakes played 35 leagues and two FA Cup games for Blackburn Rovers scoring 9 goals.

Playing alongside many Blackburn Rovers stalwarts, his best-known teammate was probably the England full-back, Bill Eckersley.

Oakes joined Manchester City at the start of the season 1948–49, where he lined up alongside Joe Fagan and also two highly distinguished goalkeepers in Frank Swift and Bert Trautmann.

When at Manchester City things were never dull.

Manchester City found themselves in another relegation battle during the season 1949–50.

Near the season's end and battling for their top-flight survival, Manchester City defeated Sunderland 2–1 and this ultimately cost Sunderland the title.

Former Queen of the South player Ivor Broadis played for Sunderland at that particular time.

Oakes scored the opening goal and this was the only double league defeat that Sunderland endured all season.

This win, unfortunately, was not enough to save Manchester City from relegation.

Oakes died three days before his 76th birthday.

Oakes was born to Patrick and Annie (née Gaffney) in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

In that first season, he and his fellow Maine Road teammates improved on the previous season's 10th place by finishing 7th.

In the F.A. Cup that season Manchester City were defeated in the third round by Everton, now the club of Dumfries born forward Jimmy McIntosh.