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Stefan Oakes was in the
Leicester City line-up for their League Cup final against Tranmere. Two
goals from Matt Elliott made it clear that Leicester again had won a
title with a player from their own town in the line-up.
Stefan Oakes was in a team with players such as Emile Heskey, Matt
Elliott, Steve Guppy, Neil Lennon and Muzzy Izzet among others, and it
all looked bright.
The departure of Martin O'Neill and a number of injury problems stopped
the progression and when Leicester changed managers Oakes was overlooked
and left in the reserves.
Oakes, who is 31 years old today, left Leicester in 2004. He was
released by former City manager Micky Adams, now in charge of Port Vale.
Oakes had completed loan spells at Crewe and Walsall, in 2002 and 2003,
but it looked difficult to get a contract at a higher level and moved to
Notts County.
He left Notts County in 2005 and joined Wycombe. After a couple of
seasons at Adams Park it was time for a new move and this time Lincoln
came in.
Newly appointed manager at Lincoln, Chris Sutton, described Stefan Oakes
as the best player in League 2 and it is strange how such a talent could
spend most of his best days as a player in the lower leagues.
Luke Chadwick, who was an England U.21 international 10 years ago, and a
player expected to make the grade at Old Trafford. He was given a proper
chance by Sir Alex, but never managed to win a temporary place.
After 25 league appearances in 5 years it was time to move on. Chadwick
had, during his time at Man Utd, been on loan at Royal Antwerpen,
Reading and Burnley, and his next stop was West Ham.
The tricky winger played some good football while at West Ham, but again
he found it difficult to establish himself and get a regular place in
the team.
Moves to Stoke and Norwich was next on the agenda, but life at Britannia
and Carrow Road never really kick started his career. Chadwick is today
with MK Dons and is doing ok in League 1 football, but this was hardly
what you would have expected from a player lined up to be the next Ryan
Giggs.
Danny Cadamarteri made a name for himself as a teenage striker at
Everton. He was also in the England U.21 set up 10 years ago and made
his debut as a U.21 international at the age of 19.
Cadamareri left Everton in 2002. He scored 13 goals in 92 league games
while at Goodison Park. Cadamarteri has since leaving Everton in 2002
been at a number of clubs, but never been able to stay on and impress.
Spells at Fulham, Bradford (twice), Huddersfield, Leicester,
Huddersfield, Doncaster, Grays and Stoke never gave in a signs of him
getting back to his best.
Today Danny Cadamarteri is a player with Dundee United, and despite him
doing ok at Dundee United, he looks a bit out of the picture for a
Premier League return.
There are a number of players that has experienced the same as Oakes,
Cadamarteri and Chadwick and today is totally out of the limelight,
despite being described as future England internationals.
Nicky Weaver, Curtis Woodhouse, John Curtis, Carl Cort and Michael
Bridges are other players who were highly rated 10 years back and part
of the England U.21 set up.
Nicky Weaver is with Cadamarteri at Dundee United, Curtis Woodhouse is
currently playing non-league football with Harrogate Town. John Curtis
is playing in League 2 with Northampton. Carl Cort is with Brentford in
League 1 and Michael Bridges is currently playing in the Australian
A-league with Newcastle United jets.
England had a great number of fantastic players in the that U.21 set up
which included Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Matthew
Upson, Lee Bowyer, Gareth Barry, Kieron Dyer, Jonathan Woodgate and
David Dunn among those who still is very much involved at Premier League
level.
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