Luton – The Legends Series – Scott Oakes

For the latest in our ongoing series covering those who have achieved legendary status among the support, we feature another former Luton figure who became a fans favourite.

Following on from those already covered – John Moore, David Preece, Mal Donaghy, Brian Lewis, Bruce Rioch, Fred Jardine, Brian Horton, Kevin Nicholls, Tony Read, Steve Foster, Mike Keen, Ian Buxton, Lars Elstrup, Peter Anderson, Graham French, Alan West, David Moss, Terry Branston, John Aston, Paul Futcher, John Ryan, Syd Owen, Marvin Johnson, Malcolm MacDonald, Bob Hatton, Steve Buckley,Chris Coyne, Ron Baynham, John Still, Jack Bannister, Ricky Hill, Chris Nicholl, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Don Givens, Gordon Turner, Brian Stein, Jesse Pye, Raddy Antic, Joe Payne, Max Dougan, Alan Slough, Ray Whittaker, Dave Pacey, Milija Aleksic, Ron Davies, Sandy Davie John O’Rourke, Les Sealey, Bob Morton, Wally Shanks, Gordon Riddick, Billy Bingham, Herbert Moody, Adrian Alston, Reg Pearce, Keith Allen, Jimmy Ryan, George Cummins, Rodney Fern, Harry Walden and Billy McDerment

For the latest in our series, it is time for one of my selections, Scott Oakes.

Scott played for the Hatters from 1991 through to 1996 making 200 appearances in all competitions, scoring on 34 occasions.

His career began at Leicester City, making his way through the various youth teams before David Pleat’s scouting team identified him as a player for the future.

Scott was just 19-years-of-age when he joined the Hatters, in a deal that saw Steve Thompson move in the other direction, but still being a teenager didn’t stop him from breaking into the first team almost immediately.

His skills, pace and ability to make powerful forward runs, endeared him to the Hatters faithful as he quickly established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in English football, a trait that was to see him gain an England U21 cap.

Indeed, his ability was soon available for all to see when in an FA Cup 6th round tie against West Ham United, at Kenilworth Road, his hat-trick secured a semi-final place, against Chelsea, at Wembley.

For a reminder of that incredible cup-tie, see below, placed on the public domain by Nobby DVD,

Unfortunately, despite Scott’s undoubted abilities, the Hatters were unable to avoid relegation, in 1996, with the result that David Pleat, now in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, signed Scott for a fee of £425,000.

Sadly, Scott’s career with the Owls didn’t kick-on to provide the international recognition his skills deserved, a serious knee injury meant that Scott, during his four years at Sheffield Wednesday only made 7 league appearances.

Moves to Burnley, Cambridge United and Leyton Orient followed before he slipped into non-league football.

When it comes to memories, Scott left us with so many, but if I had to pick a favourite, I’d plump for his magnificent goal against Derby County which gave the Hatters a 2-1 win.

For a reminder, see below, with the footage placed on the public domain by greenster Rox,

I’m led to believe that since retiring from the game Scott works teaching football to children in schools in Bedfordshire and Leicestershire.

Scott Oakes – Mini Fact File

Name – Scott John Oakes

Date of Birth – 05-August-1961

Place of Birth – Leicester, England

Position – Winger / Attacking Midfielder

Playing Career – Leicester City, Luton Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley, Cambridge United, Leyton Orient, St Albans City, Shelbourne, St Albans City (again), Barton Rovers

International Career – England U21

If you feel able to share any of your thoughts or memories on the Hatters career of Scott Oakes, please feel free to do so in the comment facility beneath this article.

If you can think of anyone who deserves nominating for coverage in this ongoing series, please drop their name into the comment facility beneath this article.

My thanks go to those who have already nominated faces from the past, they will all be covered, in time.

Next up in the series will be Bert Mitchell as suggested by David Davies.

COYH’s

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