Matt Oakley

On 28 June 2006, Oakley rejected Burley's offer, and absented himself from pre-season training. As he was then approaching 29, he had hoped for a contract that would take him towards the end of his career – and take in a talked-of testimonial match. Oakley then spent pre-season training with then Premier League team Charlton Athletic, who offered him a one-year deal, and was also chased by Ipswich Town.

Derby County

On 4 August 2006, he signed a three-year contract with Derby County on a free transfer. Oakley was immediately named team captain, with Michael Johnson becoming club captain. He made his debut in a 2–0 defeat to Stoke City on 8 August 2006.

Oakley's first goal for Derby came in the first away win of the season against Hull City. His lashed half volley sent Derby on their way to a 2–1 win. He also scored the winner in the home match against West Bromwich Albion. His thunderous 30-yard strike capped off a fine comeback by the Rams. And following his trend in scoring sublime goals, Oakley scored a 16-yard half volley into the top of the net proving to be the winner in a 2–1 win. He went on to captain the side to play-off success confirming their return to the Premier League with a 1–0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

However, Oakley admitted that the Derby squad still lacked Premier League experience and felt the need for additional signings. With Derby bottom of the table by 2008, 10 points from safety, Oakley declared that the team had to beat Bolton Wanderers on 3 January or "the season's over." Derby lost the match 1–0. That same month, Derby granted Leicester City permission to open contract talks with Oakley. He played his last match for the club in a 2–2 FA Cup draw against Sheffield Wednesday on 6 January 2008. In his one and a half years at Derby, Oakley was injured only once, a bruised ankle in a match against Crystal Palace in December 2006.

Leicester City

Oakley moved to Leicester City on 11 January 2008 for a fee of £500,000, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. Surprised at being allowed to leave Pride Park, he was reunited with Derby teammate Steve Howard, who had joined Leicester ten days earlier. Oakley made his league debut in an M69 derby on 12 January, beating Coventry City 2–0 at the Walkers Stadium. He enjoyed a short partnership with Stephen Clemence in central midfield before the latter was injured in March 2008. Oakley's arrival could not prevent the club's season from ending in relegation.

Oakley became captain the following season due to club captain Stephen Clemence's long-term injury (which forced him to retire on Easter Monday 2010). He scored his first league goal for the club in a 4–0 win over Cheltenham Town on 30 August 2008. Despite leading the club to a four-point lead at the top of League One by December 2008, Oakley warned his teammates of complacency.

In January 2009, Oakley played exceptionally well during his temporary partnership with on-loan midfielder Mark Davies. His superb form during that month earned him the League One Player of the Month award on 9 February. He played a key role in helping Leicester to a 23-game unbeaten run from September 2008 to March 2009. He led by example with a series of commanding displays, scoring eight goals to help Leicester secure their promotion as League One champions. Oakley was named in the League One PFA Team of the Year together with teammates Jack Hobbs and Matty Fryatt on 26 April 2009. His goal against Cheltenham Town on 7 March 2009, was voted Leicester's goal of the season in April 2009.

Oakley formed a fine midfield partnership with Richie Wellens as the club made an impressive start to the 2009–10 season, which saw them seventh in the Championship by September 2009. In early December 2009 however, Leicester were heavily beaten by Nottingham Forest and Bristol City. Compared to last season, he suffered a goal famine and admitted he needed to contribute more as an attacking force. In February 2010, the club adopted the 4–3–3 formation, with a midfield trio comprising Oakley, Wellens and Andy King. He made his 100th competitive game for Leicester in a 1–1 draw against Bristol City on 16 February, and his 100th league appearance in a 2–1 defeat to Reading at the Walkers Stadium on 24 March. Oakley played a total of 38 league matches to help Leicester qualify for the Championship play-offs,

In the 2010–11 season, Oakley played his 500th competitive match in a 2–0 defeat to Millwall on 28 December 2010. He signed a new contract with the club on 24 March 2011, which would last until June 2012. The following day, Oakley relinquished his position as captain and handed over the role to teammate Andy King. He finally scored his first league goal since April 2009 in a 1–1 draw against Crystal Palace on 12 April 2011, followed by another on 22 April in a 3–2 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Oakley played a total of 36 competitive games,

On 20 March 2012, Oakley agreed by mutual consent to have his contract ended.

Exeter City Despite playing only twice in the League Cup for the 2011–12 season, Leicester denied that Oakley was to rejoin Derby County on loan. On 30 September 2011, Oakley joined League One side Exeter City on loan for a month with the option of extending it until the end of the season. He made his debut in a 2–0 win over Oldham Athletic on 1 October 2011, drawing praise from manager Paul Tisdale for his performance. A thigh injury suffered in a 0–0 draw against Carlisle United on 5 November 2011 forced Oakley to return to Leicester after playing seven league games. Tisdale's concern about "taking somebody back that's injured", coupled with Leicester being unable to confirm Oakley's availability made it unlikely he will rejoin Exeter on loan.

After being released by Leicester Oakley spent the 2012 pre-season training with Exeter City and after much speculation it was announced on 31 July 2012 that he had signed a permanent deal with the Grecians.

Oakley retired as a player at the end of the 2016–17 season, after the 2–1 defeat by Blackpool in the end of season play-offs.

International career Oakley has three caps for the England U21 team. He showed tremendous promise as a teenager and Gordon Strachan tipped him for the England squad in February 2003. While he was rumoured to be under serious consideration, he was not named in the first squad of 2003 for the friendly against Australia.

Coaching career After a year coaching at Exeter City, on 6 June 2018 Oakley moved with manager Paul Tisdale to Milton Keynes Dons as assistant manager. After achieving promotion with MK Dons from League Two at the conclusion of the 2018–19 season, Oakley's contract with the club was terminated along with manager Paul Tisdale on 2 November 2019 following a poor run of results.

Other interests Oakley is known to be a collector of South American red-bellied piranha, stating "I wanted something unusual, and piranhas certainly make feeding time interesting".

Career statistics

Honours Southampton FA Cup runner-up: 2002–03

Derby County Football League Championship play-offs: 2007

Leicester City Football League One: 2008–09

Individual PFA Team of the Year: 2008–09 League One