 Oakes joined Bolton Wanderers on loan at the start of the 2004–05 season as back-up to Jussi Jääskeläinen, but only made the one appearance.He moved on to Paul Merson's Walsall on a free transfer in March 2005, and featured in the last nine games of the campaign.He played 30 games in 2005–06, having missed September to December.