Graham Oates

Graham Oates (born 4 December 1943) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He began his career with Blackpool, where he spent seven years, before shorter stints at Grimsby Town and Wigan Athletic. He made 302 Football League appearances, scoring 65 goals.

Early life Oates began playing football during his years at senior school, mostly around his birthplace of Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. Aged 14, he signed for Scunthorpe United's under-18s team. His father, uncle and elder brother had all played for the club on a part-time or amateur basis. The following year, he played for Scunthorpe Reserves.

Not wanting to stay in Scunthorpe, due to its industrial nature, he asked for a trial at Blackpool. Aged 16, he went on trial with around 300 others at Blackpool's Stanley Park. The club agreed to sign him, Oates thinks because he had a good left foot. He rejected the club's initial weekly wage offering of £5 because, after paying for his accommodation, he was left with only £1 from each wage packet. They counter-offered with £8, which he accepted. He became Blackpool's first-ever apprentice; prior to this, young arrivals were put on the ground staff. He trained with the first-team squad.

Post-retirement After retiring from playing football, Oates went into the licensing trade, a move he regretted. He then worked several clerical jobs before working in the logistics department at British Aerospace, a role in which he remained for 26 years prior to retiring.