Re: Matt Oakley
Leicester City boss Ian Holloway today (Friday) confirmed the capture of Derby County skipper Matt Oakley for an undisclosed fee.
The midfielder becomes Holloway's sixth signing of the January window - with Ben Alnick, Barry Hayles, Gabor Bori, Jsolt Laczko and former Rams team-mate Steve Howard already on board.
And the good news for City fans is that Oakley is available for Saturday's Championship clash against local rivals Coventry City at the Walkers Stadium, subject to Football League approval.
The 30-year-old playmaker has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with the Foxes, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2011 campaign.
Oakley has made 61 starts for the Rams since making the move to Pride Park in August 2006 - scoring on an impressive nine occasions.
The deal is seen as a real transfer coup for the Foxes - who beat off five other Championship clubs to Oakley's signature.
City boss Holloway said: "This is a fantastic signing for this football club. Matt is a player with tremendous ability and I am chuffed to bits that we have been able to bring him here. "
Oakley began his career at Southampton, where he progressed through the youth set up to the first team. He made his debut at the age of just 17 against Everton at Goodison Park in 1995 - and went on to spend an impressive 12 years with the South Coast club.
All in all Oakley made 311 appearances for the Saints before joining Derby in August 2006, where he was promptly handed the captain's armband. The player became an instant fans' favourite with the Rams crowd, and was instrumental in their rise to the Premiership.
He was named man-of-the-match for his performance in the Rams' 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion in the play-off final at Wembley last year.
Tickets remain on general sale for the Coventry City clash - priced at just £23 for adults, £21 for seniors, £15 for under 22s/students, £10 for under 16s, £5 for under 12s and free for under 8s (family enclosure only).
Supporters can secure their seats from the Walkers Stadium ticket office up until 5pm today. Doors will then open again from 9am on the day of the game until kick off.
Alternatively, fans can email the ticket office direct on
[email protected] or call 0844 815 5000.