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30-05-2007, 18:20
http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/wd208174804-wms-wolves-oak.jpgKeeper Michael Oakes bid a fond farewell to Wolves today and predicted another exciting season for Mick McCarthy’s “hungry” young team.
The 34-year-old keeper has been released after seven-and-a-half-years at Molineux and is looking for a new club after nearly joining Leeds in January.
An injury to Carl Ikeme scuppered that plan but Oakes is back on the open market predicting big things for his former club as it awaits the arrival of new owner Steve Morgan.
“I’m leaving behind a great set of lads here,” said Oakes. “I can’t see why they can’t go on from here and do really well again next season – and maybe go one step further.
“They are a good bunch who have a real hunger to do well. The manager bought very wisely, and has put together an exciting side.
“Now with the takeover and the likelihood of injecting some more cash into the club there’s the chance to bring in more quality players.
“Of course a lot of money has been spent here in the past and we know it doesn’t guarantee success. But it’s good for the manager to have that option at his disposal because the Championship is still such a difficult league to get out of.
“Wolves weren’t that far away this season, so hopefully next time out they will do it.”
Oakes, a former Villa and England under-21 keeper, earned the admiration of Wolves fans when he refused to rock the boat after being replaced by Paul Jones half way through the club’s Premiership season.
He added: “How we didn’t get promoted in 2002 I will never know. We had such a great season until the final few weeks.$
“I have thoroughly enjoyed it and the fans have been brilliant to me. It’s time for a fresh start and a new challenge.”
Oakes’ exit after a season without a first team appearance leaves him marooned on 199 league appearances.
More... (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/05/30/oakes-best-of-luck/)
The 34-year-old keeper has been released after seven-and-a-half-years at Molineux and is looking for a new club after nearly joining Leeds in January.
An injury to Carl Ikeme scuppered that plan but Oakes is back on the open market predicting big things for his former club as it awaits the arrival of new owner Steve Morgan.
“I’m leaving behind a great set of lads here,” said Oakes. “I can’t see why they can’t go on from here and do really well again next season – and maybe go one step further.
“They are a good bunch who have a real hunger to do well. The manager bought very wisely, and has put together an exciting side.
“Now with the takeover and the likelihood of injecting some more cash into the club there’s the chance to bring in more quality players.
“Of course a lot of money has been spent here in the past and we know it doesn’t guarantee success. But it’s good for the manager to have that option at his disposal because the Championship is still such a difficult league to get out of.
“Wolves weren’t that far away this season, so hopefully next time out they will do it.”
Oakes, a former Villa and England under-21 keeper, earned the admiration of Wolves fans when he refused to rock the boat after being replaced by Paul Jones half way through the club’s Premiership season.
He added: “How we didn’t get promoted in 2002 I will never know. We had such a great season until the final few weeks.$
“I have thoroughly enjoyed it and the fans have been brilliant to me. It’s time for a fresh start and a new challenge.”
Oakes’ exit after a season without a first team appearance leaves him marooned on 199 league appearances.
More... (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/05/30/oakes-best-of-luck/)
