Ex-Walsall keeper released
Last updated : 08 May 2007 By Andy Van Hagen
Andy Oakes was one of eight players shown the exit door by Swansea manager Roberto Martinez.
Oakes joined on a free transfer last summer and played just one League One game since Martinez took charge in February. The new Swansea manager told his club's official website www.swanseacity.co.uk:
"While I've only seen him in one League game, I know he's more than a capable goalkeeper, but it's an area we need to freshen up.''
It came as a surprise to Walsall fans when Oakes secured a contract at the ambitious League One side last summer. He impressed the former manager but never really made an impresseion in the first team. He only made 5 starts and one substitute appearance all season, one of which against Walsall in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. That night he was seen making gestures to the crowd, never a wise move against one of your old clubs. Some Walsall fans nicknamed him Andy Jokes after his seemingly inability to manage to take a free kick or goal kick.
