Express & Star

Walsall line up move for ex-Wolves and Aston Villa man Michael Oakes

Former Wolves and Villa goalkeeper Michael Oakes is set to return to West Midlands football as a coach at Walsall, the Express & Star understands.

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Oakes – who came through the ranks at Villa Park and later spent eight years at Molineux – left Wrexham yesterday and is expected to link up with former Dragons boss Dean Keates at the Banks’s Stadium.

Sam Ricketts – who has replaced Keates at the Racecourse Ground – said Oakes was headed for a position in League One.

“I met up with Michael, he loved the club and loved his time here,” Ricketts told the Leader. “He has only gone because it is an opportunity to work in League One. I wish him all the best. He had that opportunity and I couldn’t make him stay.”

Andy Davies – who was Keates’ assistant at Wrexham – has already followed his former boss to the Saddlers, who may also look to non-league for signings.

Andy Cook, who has scored 49 goals in 83 league appearances for Tranmere Rovers, has been heavily linked.