35 Bob Oates

Position : Right back / Centre half

Played : 1983-4

Appearances : 42

Goals : 1

Bob was a former England Youth international who'd made over 300 appearances for Scunthorpe but was still only 27 when we signed him. I suspect he may have had a long term injury problem that they gave such a stalwart a free transfer.

Bob is remembered as being part of Dale's worst defence, the one that conceded 5 goals away at re-election rivals Halifax. This is probably a little unfair on Bob who was used mainly at right back when he was really a centre half. He certainly looked more comfortable when he played in that position. He was competent but, like the rest of that defence, short of pace and it was not really a surprise that he was freed after one season.

He went into non-league football with Walton United.