William Oakley

Who was William Oakley?

William John Oakley was an English footballer who, during the Victorian era, played as a full-back for the renowned amateur clubs, the Corinthians and Casuals, and captained the England team once, in a match against Ireland in 1901. In 1894, he was also the English long jump champion.

Educated at Shrewsbury School and Christ Church, Oxford, Oakley was awarded a total of 16 England caps between 1895 and 1901, and won his only game as captain by the score of 3-0.

He was a close friend of the England centre forward G. O. Smith, with whom he worked as a schoolmaster, and eventually as joint headmaster, of Ludgrove School after retiring from football.