Graham Oates

Graham Oates (born 14 March 1949) is an English former footballer who played as defender or midfielder. He played for Bradford City, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United in England, and Detroit Express and the California Surf in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

While at Newcastle United, Oates scored an own goal in a match against Leeds United directly from the kick-off, lobbing goalkeeper Willie McFaul in the process. McFaul is said to have been well out of position in the execution of the preplanned play.

While a member of the Detroit Express, Oates coached the Bloomfield Hills Andover High School boys soccer team through the 1978 and 1979 seasons. In his first stint as a head coach, Oates led the 1978 squad to the Michigan High School State Soccer Championship.