Alan Oakes

Midfielder at Manchester City Oakes signed for Manchester City on amateur terms in 1958 at the age of 15, signing as a professional a year later; he cleaned the boots of legendary goalkeeper Bert Trautmann. His first-team debut came under the stewardship of Les McDowall on 14 November 1959, in a 1–1 draw with Chelsea. He was voted the club's Player of the Year in 1975.

Player-manager at Chester Oakes moved to Third Division side Chester in the summer of 1976, who had to pay Manchester City a £15,000 fee for his services. While at Vale Park, Oakes was forced to make one final Football League appearance during an injury crisis – his 776th match in the league. Sacked to save money in December 1983, he was brought back to the club as a coach in August 1984.

Career statistics

Playing statistics Includes FA Cup, League Cup, European Cup, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup, Charity Shield, Texaco Cup, Anglo-Italian Cup and Anglo-Scottish Cup.

Managerial statistics + Managerial record by team and tenure TeamFromToRecordGWDLWin %Chester1 September 197628 March 1982

Honours As a player Manchester City Football League First Division: 1967–68 Football League Second Division: 1965–66 FA Cup: 1968–69 Football League Cup: 1969–70, 1975–76 FA Charity Shield: 1968, 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup: 1969–70

Individual Manchester City Player of the Year: 1974–75

As a player-manager Chester Debenhams Cup: 1977