Notts surrender Oakes

Last updated : 26 May 2005 By Richard Brown

Signing a two-year deal at the ‘Causeway Stadium’, Oakes leaves the Magpies without ever working under new Magpies’ boss, Gudjon Thordarson.

Oakes’ departure makes the rebuilding task for Thordarson all the more sizeable, after losing perhaps his most creative influence in the side earlier today, this just eight days after coming to power.

Oakes in Magpies action
The midfielder will officially leave the club come 1st July, when his contract expires at the end of next month.

Perhaps one of the most cultured players – behind Darren Caskey, of course – to be seen at the ‘Lane of late, Oakes spent one-and-a-half years at the club before announcing his signing for the Chairboys earlier today.

Signed for the club by Gary Mills in February of last year, the former Leicester man leaves fond memories of those six fine goals this season.

His individual shows of brilliance, if not his overall presence in the side, will most certainly be missed.

"It's a major signing for us. I rate Stefan very highly and I'm delighted that he's agreed to join us," said Wycombe boss John Gorman, upon clinching Oakes’ signature.

"I've known him for years and noticed him when he was at Leicester City so it's great to have the opportunity to finally work with him."

"He's a goal-scoring midfielder and he could add something very special to our team," Gorman added.

Oakes had previously been stalling over the offer of significantly reduced terms at Meadow Lane.

Such a motion has been echoed of late by young goalkeeper Saul Deeney, whose Meadow Lane future also hangs in the balance.

Meanwhile, County are already rumoured to be interested in out-of-favour Stoke man, Thordur Gudjonsson – interestingly enough, the eldest son of Notts boss Thordarson. Coincidence? I think not!

Gudjonsson has been capped over fifty times by his native Iceland, but has made just two appearances for City this season, both of which coming from the bench.

A tailor-made replacement for Oakes, or so it would seem.

Oakes’ departure comes hand-in-hand with NCM's exclusive story on MONDAY, stating that a move to the London-based side appeared to be on the cards.

And, true to form, just two days later, the deal was officially announced.

For more reaction upon Oakes’ departure, be sure to check back to Notts County MAD over the next few days.