Jackie Oakes
Encyclopedia
Jackie Oakes 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. He died three days before his 76th birthday.
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.
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 6th in the league in 1939.
, 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 F.C.
, in a 2-1 defeat at Anfield
on 8 March 1947. Oakes' second goal that season came in the 2-0 win against Chelsea F.C.
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 F.C.
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 F.C.
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 F.C.
at home on 29 November 1947 and at Goodison Park
against Everton F.C.
on 20 December 1947. His final appearance for Blackburn Rovers came in the 2-1 defeat at home to Liverpool F.C. on 10 April 1948.
In total Oakes played 35 league and two FA Cup
games for Blackburn Rovers scoring 9 goals. Playing alongside many Blackburn Rovers stalwarts, his best known team mate was probably the England full back, Bill Eckersley
. 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.
, 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. In that first season he and his fellow Maine Road team mates improved on the previous season's 10th place by finishing 7th. In the F.A. Cup that season Manchester City were defeated in the 3rd round by Everton F.C., now the club of Dumfries born forward Jimmy McIntosh
. Manchester City found themselves in another relegation battle during season 1949-50
. Near the season's end and battling for their top flight survival, Manchester City defeated Sunderland A.F.C.
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.
Manchester City's visit to the second tier of English football, season 1950-51
, was to be short lived, as they were promoted back to the top tier for the start of season 1951-52
, as they finished runners-up to Preston North End. Oakes clocked up 77 league appearances in which he scored 9 goals.
(McKinnell had replaced his father as manager in 1946 before Oakes' departure to England). Ahead of him lay many great times at Queen of the South, playing alongside in particular, goalkeeper Roy Henderson
, the goals king of Queens Jim Patterson
and sterling full backs Dougie Sharpe
and Jimmy Binning
. Bobby Black
joined them a year later in 1952.
Oakes scored Queens goal in the game with the highest recorded attendance at Palmerston Park. On 23 February 1952 a staggering crowd of 26,552 squeezed very tightly in to see Queens play in a Scottish Cup
3rd round 3-1 win for Hearts
.
Late in his Queen of the South career, Oakes was joined by Ivor Broadis, previously of Oakes' tussles for Manchester City against Sunderland. Oakes played in the 7-1 win Boxing Day
win against Queens Park F.C. in 1959. Ivor Broadis scored four of the goals in this match. Sir Alex Ferguson
was the Queens Park scorer. Sir Alex Ferguson recalled this match recently by saying "The other reason to remember the game was the ages of the Queen of the South forward line, it probably averaged about 34! Black, Broadis, Patterson, Dunlop, Oakes. I remember it all too well."
Shortly after in February 1960, Oakes was joined on the playing staff by another ex-opponent from his days in England's top division, goalkeeper George Farm
.
Twenty three years after his debut, Oakes played at Queens until aged 40 in 1960, clocking up a total of 457 games and 81 goals for the club. Oakes is the 4th highest in the club's record appearances list behind Allan Ball
and Iain McChesney and in between team mates Jim Patterson and Dougie Sharpe. With the exception of his last season, all his time as a Queen of the South player was spent in Scotland's top flight. He then replaced Neil Gibson Junior to become the club trainer for three years.
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
footballer who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
, Queen of the South
Queen of the South F.C.
Queen of the South Football Club is a Scottish professional football club founded in 1919 and located in Dumfries. The club currently plays in the Scottish First Division, the second tier of Scottish football. They are officially nicknamed The Doonhamers, but usually referred to as Queens or QoS...
, Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
and Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
. Born in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
Hamilton is a town in South Lanarkshire, in the west-central Lowlands of Scotland. It serves as the main administrative centre of the South Lanarkshire council area. It is the fifth-biggest town in Scotland after Paisley, East Kilbride, Livingston and Cumbernauld...
, his position was left winger. He died three days before his 76th birthday.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Oakes started his senior football career in EnglandEngland
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
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.
Queen of the South (1st spell)
In 1936, Oakes signed for DumfriesDumfries
Dumfries is a market town and former royal burgh within the Dumfries and Galloway council area of Scotland. It is near the mouth of the River Nith into the Solway Firth. Dumfries was the county town of the former county of Dumfriesshire. Dumfries is nicknamed Queen of the South...
club Queen of the South for the first time signed by George McLachlan
George McLachlan
George Herbert McLachlan was an FA Cup-winning Scottish footballer and manager. He was born in Glasgow and played as an outside left or at wing half.-Early years:...
. Players at the club during this time included Willie Savage
Willie Savage
Willie Savage from Burnbank was a former Scottish footballer, best known with Dumfries club Queen of the South.-Early days:Savage was a native of Burnbank who began his football as an inside forward at the local St Cuthbert School and representing Lanarkshire elementary schools against Glasgow...
, Willie Culbert
Willie Culbert
Willie Culbert was a former Scottish footballer best known with Dumfries club Queen of the South.-Queen of the South:Willie Culbert was a 1932 Queen of the South signing from Clyde....
, Willie Ferguson
Willie Ferguson
William Copeland Ferguson was a Scottish footballer and manager best known for his time at Chelsea and Dumfries side Queen of the South. His position was usually as a left winger.-Early years:...
, Joe Tulip
Joe Tulip
Joe Tulip was an English footballer best known for his time at Dumfries club Queen of the South.-Early years:The left-winger from Mickley in Northumberland joined Queens from Crawcrook Albion in 1933. The previous season Tulip had a brief spell at Blackburn Rovers.-Queen of the South:Joe Tulip was...
and Irish international Laurie Cumming
Laurie Cumming
Laurence Stanley Slater "Laurie" Cumming was a former professional footballer and journalist, born in Derry, Ireland. Cumming played for Alloa Athletic, Huddersfield Town, Oldham Athletic, Southampton, Queen of the South and St Mirren...
.
His Queens career began with a reserve game against Third Lanark
Third Lanark A.C.
Third Lanark Athletic Club was a football club that originally existed between 1872 and 1967, 95 years in existence, based in Glasgow, Scotland. Third Lanark were known as Thirds, the Warriors, the Redcoats and the Hi Hi's...
on Christmas Day 1936. His first team debut was on 24 April 1937 with a hint of irony by playing Hamilton Academical
Hamilton Academical F.C.
Hamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Academical, or Accies, are a Scottish football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire. They were established in 1874 from the school football team at Hamilton Academy. They remain the only professional club in British football to have...
. 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
Phil Watson (footballer)
Philip Ross Watson was a Scottish professional footballer. He made one appearance for the Scotland national team. He played as a defender.-Hamilton Academical:...
, the mighty Oakes opened the scoring in Queens 1937-38
1937-38 in Scottish football
The 1937–38 season was the 48th season of competitive football in Scotland.-Scottish League Division One:Champions: CelticRelegated: Dundee, Morton-Scottish League Division Two:Promoted: Raith Rovers, Albion Rovers...
season ending 3-2 victory against Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
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 6th in the league in 1939.
Blackburn Rovers
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 WeirJock Weir
Jock Weir was a Scottish professional association football player, most notable for scoring a hat-trick for Celtic on the final day of the 1947–48 season that prevented the Glasgow club from being relegated....
, Frank McGorrigan and Oakes.
Oakes made his debut for Blackburn Rovers in the 1-1 draw at home to Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
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 F.C.
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
, in a 2-1 defeat at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
on 8 March 1947. Oakes' second goal that season came in the 2-0 win against Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge (stadium)
Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, West London, and is the home of Chelsea Football Club. The stadium is located within the Moore Park Estate also known as Walham Green and is often referred to as simply The Bridge...
on 4 April 1947.
In season 1947-48
1947-48 in English football
The 1947–48 season was the 68th season of competitive football in England.-Honours:Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour...
, 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
Ewood Park
Ewood Park is a football stadium in the English town of Blackburn, Lancashire, and is the home of Blackburn Rovers Football Club — one of the founder members of the Football League and Premier League. Rovers have played there since they moved from Leamington Street in the summer of 1890. The...
, in the 4-0 win over Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
on 20 September 1947. He scored a penalty in the 3-1 win at Maine Road
Maine Road
Maine Road was a football stadium in Moss Side, Manchester, England that was home to Manchester City F.C. from its construction in 1923 until 2003...
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 F.C.
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
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 F.C.
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
at home on 29 November 1947 and at Goodison Park
Goodison Park
Goodison Park is a football stadium located in Walton, Liverpool, England. The stadium has been home to Everton F.C. since its completion in 1892 and is one of the world's first purpose-built football grounds...
against Everton F.C.
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
on 20 December 1947. His final appearance for Blackburn Rovers came in the 2-1 defeat at home to Liverpool F.C. on 10 April 1948.
In total Oakes played 35 league and two FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
games for Blackburn Rovers scoring 9 goals. Playing alongside many Blackburn Rovers stalwarts, his best known team mate was probably the England full back, Bill Eckersley
Bill Eckersley
William "Bill" Eckersley was an English footballer. He played as a fullback, spending his entire playing career at Blackburn Rovers.-Football career:...
. 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.
Manchester City
Oakes joined Manchester City at the start of season 1948-491948-49 in English football
The 1948–49 season was the 69th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Portsmouth won the First Division title for the first time with a team of no recognised stars and very few international players. They won the league by five points from Manchester United and Derby...
, where he lined up alongside Joe Fagan
Joe Fagan
Joe Fagan was an English football manager best known for being manager of Liverpool F.C. from 1983 to 1985.- Career:Joe Fagan's playing career was largely spent at Manchester City for whom he signed in 1938...
and also two highly distinguished goalkeepers in Frank Swift
Frank Swift
Frank Victor Swift was an English footballer, who played as a goalkeeper for Manchester City and England. After starting his career with local clubs near his home town of Blackpool, in 1932 he was signed by First Division Manchester City, with whom he played his entire professional career.Swift...
and Bert Trautmann
Bert Trautmann
Bernhard Carl "Bert" Trautmann, OBE is a German former professional footballer who played for Manchester City from 1949 to 1964. Brought up during times of inter-war strife in Germany, Trautmann joined the Luftwaffe early in the Second World War, serving as a paratrooper...
. When at Manchester City things were never dull. In that first season he and his fellow Maine Road team mates improved on the previous season's 10th place by finishing 7th. In the F.A. Cup that season Manchester City were defeated in the 3rd round by Everton F.C., now the club of Dumfries born forward Jimmy McIntosh
Jimmy McIntosh
James McLaughlin "Jimmy" McIntosh was a Scottish professional footballer and manager. As a player McIntosh was a fast, strong, stocky, forward.-Blackpool :...
. Manchester City found themselves in another relegation battle during season 1949-50
1949-50 in English football
The 1949–50 season was the 70th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Portsmouth retained the First Division title by one of the narrowest margins in history ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C....
. Near the season's end and battling for their top flight survival, Manchester City defeated Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
2-1 and this ultimately cost Sunderland the title. Former Queen of the South player Ivor Broadis
Ivor Broadis
Ivan Arthur Broadis is a former England international footballer. Broadis' clubs were Carlisle United, Sunderland, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Queen of the South. Broadis played at inside forward...
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.
Manchester City's visit to the second tier of English football, season 1950-51
1950-51 in English football
The 1950–51 season was the 71st season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Tottenham Hotspur won their first League Championship, while Newcastle United defeated Blackpool 2–0 to win their fourth F.A. Cup. They would win it twice more over the next four seasons. The league was expanded...
, was to be short lived, as they were promoted back to the top tier for the start of season 1951-52
1951-52 in English football
The 1951–52 season was the 72nd season of competitive football in England.-Honours:Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour...
, as they finished runners-up to Preston North End. Oakes clocked up 77 league appearances in which he scored 9 goals.
Queen of the South (2nd spell)
Oakes rejoined Queen of the South in the summer of 1951 signed by Jimmy McKinnell JuniorJimmy McKinnell Junior
James "Jimmy" McKinnell, Jr. was long time secretary and manager with Scottish Football League team Queen of the South of Dumfries....
(McKinnell had replaced his father as manager in 1946 before Oakes' departure to England). Ahead of him lay many great times at Queen of the South, playing alongside in particular, goalkeeper Roy Henderson
Roy Henderson (footballer)
Roy Henderson was a former Scottish professional football goalkeeper best known for his time with Dumfries club Queen of the South.-Early years:...
, the goals king of Queens Jim Patterson
Jim Patterson (footballer)
James "Jim" Patterson is a former professional footballer and all-time record goalscorer for Scottish League club Queen of the South.-Early years:...
and sterling full backs Dougie Sharpe
Dougie Sharpe
Dougie Sharpe was a former Scottish footballer who played for Queen of the South from the town of Dumfries.-Early years:...
and Jimmy Binning
Jimmy Binning
Ian "Jimmy" Binning was a Scottish footballer who played for Arbroath and Dumfries side Queen of the South.-Arbroath:From season 1948-49 until his departure Jimmy Binning scored six goals in his 84 league games for Arbroath....
. Bobby Black
Bobby Black
Bobby Black is a Scottish ex-professional footballer from Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway perhaps best known for his time at East Fife and Queen of the South and was also capped by the Scottish League. Black later was an all England bowls champion...
joined them a year later in 1952.
Oakes scored Queens goal in the game with the highest recorded attendance at Palmerston Park. On 23 February 1952 a staggering crowd of 26,552 squeezed very tightly in to see Queens play in a Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
3rd round 3-1 win for Hearts
Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Heart of Midlothian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Gorgie, in the west of Edinburgh. They currently play in the Scottish Premier League and are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian...
.
Late in his Queen of the South career, Oakes was joined by Ivor Broadis, previously of Oakes' tussles for Manchester City against Sunderland. Oakes played in the 7-1 win Boxing Day
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a bank or public holiday that occurs on 26 December, or the first or second weekday after Christmas Day, depending on national or regional laws. It is observed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth nations. In Ireland, it is recognized as...
win against Queens Park F.C. in 1959. Ivor Broadis scored four of the goals in this match. Sir Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson
Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986...
was the Queens Park scorer. Sir Alex Ferguson recalled this match recently by saying "The other reason to remember the game was the ages of the Queen of the South forward line, it probably averaged about 34! Black, Broadis, Patterson, Dunlop, Oakes. I remember it all too well."
Shortly after in February 1960, Oakes was joined on the playing staff by another ex-opponent from his days in England's top division, goalkeeper George Farm
George Farm
George Neil Farm was a Scottish professional football goalkeeper and manager.Born in Slateford, a suburb of Edinburgh, Farm represented his country on ten occasions, the last three of which occurred after a gap of five years....
.
Twenty three years after his debut, Oakes played at Queens until aged 40 in 1960, clocking up a total of 457 games and 81 goals for the club. Oakes is the 4th highest in the club's record appearances list behind Allan Ball
Allan Ball
Allan Ball is an English former footballer. Born in Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham, Ball played as a goalkeeper, spending most of his professional career with Scottish club Queen of the South. Ball made 731 first team appearances for Queens, a club record, between 1963 and 1982...
and Iain McChesney and in between team mates Jim Patterson and Dougie Sharpe. With the exception of his last season, all his time as a Queen of the South player was spent in Scotland's top flight. He then replaced Neil Gibson Junior to become the club trainer for three years.