A look at Charlie Oatway and Others

Charlie Oatway has the longest middle name of all footballers. He was named after the Queens Park Rangers team that ran Liverpool close in the League Championship of 1976, where they finished as Runners-up. In fact, his name is not even Charlie but Anthony.

Charlie came to Torquay in December 1995 and soon became a favourite of the fans due to his commitment to the cause. Although small in stature, Oatway plays in defensive midfielder, and would be classed as a terrier, a Nobby Stiles type of player. He would start many attacks from deep, but was not waht you would call a prolific goalscorer. In fact during his 71 league and cup appearances with United he only scored once, against Swansea in a 2-0 win.

In the Summer of 1997 Brentford parted with £10,000 and he soon became a hit with the Griffin Park faithful. His first season saw Brentford relegated to the basement division, before bouncing straight back as Champions in 1998/99. His time at Brentford was very similar to his time at Plainmoor. He played 65 times, and scored a solitary goal.

Oatway signed for Brighton in time for the 1999/2000 season, again for £10,000. Brighton were about to enrol on a rollercoaster ride, taking in three promotions and one relegation in four seasons. In 2000/01 they were Champions of Division Three, and followed that with Champions of Division Two, relegation from Division One and winning the play-offs against Bristol City last season for promotion to the Championship.

Oatway is still at Brighton, but is expected to take more of a back seat this season. So far he has played 196 games for the Seagulls and amassed an amazing 7 goals. A player who would be welcomed back at Plainmoor!

Other players to have played for both clubs are Striker Scott Partridge, who signed for Brentford from Torquay for £100,000, play-off winning goalkeeper and penalty scorer Gareth Howells, and one of the best centre backs the club has ever produced Pat Kruse, forever remembered in history as the man who scored the fastest own goal ever. It seems they like to buy our good players and give us their cast offs!!