Members News: Former Sky Blues Seventies FB Is 70 Today- ‘Happy Birthday’, Graham!!
Not content with celebrating one Sky Blue 70th this week (Mick Ferguson) along comes another one!
Born in Droitwich, Worcestershire on 5th October 1954, CCFPA member and former Sky Blue from the seventies, Graham Oakey is also 70 today! Graham was a diminutive (but plucky) Sky Blue player with immense talent whose career was cruelly ended by injury.
A scampering, overlapping, always enthusiastic full back or winger Graham joined CCFC as an apprentice in 1970 turning professional in October 1972. He quickly made an impact after making his debut at right back on 7th September 1974 in a Division One Highfield Road 2-2 draw against Manchester City. He made his last CCFC outing on Boxing Day 1977 in another home draw, this time a goal apiece against Aston Villa, when he sustained a serious knee injury. The popular young player by then had amassed just shy of his one hundred appearances in the Sky Blue (without ever troubling the opponents net)!
Attempted rehabilitation at non-league level ultimately foundered. He required pain-killing injections each time he played, on loan at Swindon Town in December 1979 and, after his City contract was cancelled in August 1980, with Worcester City (Sept.1980) and Stourport Swifts (Oct. 1980).
Sadly, given the wasted talent, Graham was forced to hang up his boots in 1981 and retired to his native Worcestershire becoming a delivery driver in Kidderminster for a time.
Sadly we have not managed to persuade Graham to join us back in Coventry for Association events for many a year and would love to see him again whenever he so wishes.
In the meantime have a great day today Graham!
