Playmaker Stefan Oakes became manager Peter Jackson's first permanent signing as City boss when he penned a two-year deal after turning down a contract extension with Wycombe Wanderers.

A left-footed midfielder, Stefan began his career at home-town team Leicester City and was part of the Foxes' League Cup winning side in 2000. After 61 League games for Leicester and loan spells with Walsall and Crewe Alexandra, he moved to Notts County in February 2004. Stefan spent 18 months at Meadow Lane, scoring five times from his 45 appearances, before linking up with Wycombe on a two-year deal which was extended by another year in 2007.

He played a major part in the Chairboys' run to the semi-finals of the 2006/07 Carling Cup but following his arrival at Sincil Bank he failed to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up. Injuries during the second half of the campaign did nothing to aid his bid for a starting berth and he finished the season with just 20 League starts to his name.