Matthew Oakley is one of the few remaining long term Saints alongside Claus Lundekvam and Marian Pahars. He came through the Saints youth system and has racked up 283 appearances, plus 28 as sub, scoring 20 goals.
A cornerstone of the Premier League side until his long term knee injury, his absence was most keenly felt in 2004/5, as Saints lacked a holding midfielder to retain possession and keep the play moving. Saints tried out a number of players in that position, with only Jamie Redknapp, when fit, making the required impact.
Oakley was reportedly unhappy not to have been offered an extended contract earlier in the season, with Saints looking to have a major squad clearout and question marks remaining over his fitness. Burley has had little opportunity to assess Oakley for himself, with the player out with an ankle injury for much of his tenure.
The Saints website gave its clearest hint yet that he will be one of the players moving on in the summer saying he is 'likely to sit out the final two weeks of his contract with a persistent ankle problem'. Burley may well have other options in mind for central midfield and the player himself is keen to get back to the Premiership.
With such an incredible turnover of playing staff, it is important that the loyal fans have players that they can identify with. Players that they have watched develop over the years and that understand what it means to play in the famous red and white.
With doubts over the future of the Latvian wizard Marian Pahars and over the continuing knee problems of Michael Svensson, Claus Lundekvam is one of the only remaining long term Saints. Oakley at his fittest is a genuine asset to the club and it will be a disappointment to many fans to see him leave after so many years of loyal service.