John Oster

John Morgan Oster (born 8 December 1978) is a football coach and former professional player who played as a midfielder.

For the rugby league footballer of the 1920s, and 1930s, see Jack Oster.

John Oster
Personal information
Full name John Morgan Oster
Date of birth (1978-12-08) 8 December 1978
Place of birth Boston, England
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1]
Position(s) Winger, deep-lying playmaker
Youth career
1992–1994 Grimsby Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994–1997 Grimsby Town 24 (3)
1997–1999 Everton 40 (1)
1999–2005 Sunderland 68 (5)
2001 → Barnsley (loan) 2 (0)
2002 → Grimsby Town (loan) 10 (5)
2003 → Grimsby Town (loan) 7 (1)
2004–2005 → Leeds United (loan) 8 (1)
2005 Burnley 15 (1)
2005–2008 Reading 76 (2)
2008–2009 Crystal Palace 31 (3)
2009–2012 Doncaster Rovers 111 (2)
2012–2013 Barnet 28 (2)
2013–2015 Gateshead 67 (3)
Total 487 (29)
International career
1996 Wales U18 3 (0)
1996–1998 Wales U21 8 (0)
1999 Wales B 1 (0)
1997–2004 Wales 13 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Oster was a product of the youth team at Grimsby Town where he was added to the first team squad in 1994, however he didn't make his debut until the 1996–97 season. His performances that season caught the eye of Premier League side Everton who paid £1.5 million for him during the summer of 1997. Two years later he was sold to Sunderland where he remained until 2005. Whilst with The Black Cats he spent time on loan with Barnsley before returning to Grimsby for two separate loan spells during the 2002–03 season, in his time back at Blundell Park he was unable to save the club from relegation. He later moved on loan to Leeds United before joining Burnley permanently. His stay with Burnley was brief and moved to Reading where he helped them earn promotion to the Premier League for the first time, in 2008 he moved to Crystal Palace where he remained for a year before transferring to Doncaster Rovers. He departed Rovers in the summer of 2012 and joined League Two side Barnet, prior to his move to the North London club he had played his entire professional football career inside the top two divisions of English football. He joined Gateshead in September 2013.

Born in England, Oster represented Wales at international level, where he earned 13 caps between 1997 and 2004. He was renowned for his excellent first touch and wide range of passing. He was often deployed on the wing, but played as a deep-lying playmaker later in his career.

Club career

Grimsby Town

Oster started his career at Grimsby Town and had progressed through the youth ranks at the club and was inducted into the first team in the same youth squad as players such as Danny Butterfield, Matthew Bloomer and Daryl Clare. He was promoted to the first team scene in the 1994–95 season when the club were in the old First Division. However, he didn't make his debut until the 1996–97 campaign where he made his debut in a 3–1 win away at Charlton Athletic on 26 November 1996. Following Grimsby's relegation from the First Division, Oster was sold by The Mariners, for a fee of £1.5 million that saw him break the club's record transfer sale that was initially held by Gary Croft following his move to Blackburn Rovers for £1 million a year earlier. He had only played twenty-six times in all competitions, scoring four goals upon his departure.

Everton

The Mariners sold Oster to Everton for £1.5 million in 1997,[2] aged only 18 and having played only 25 matches. It transpired that he had made the wrong move though, as he was rarely utilised in his favoured winger's role, in a 4–4–2 formation. Oster scored three times during his spell at Everton; once in the league against Barnsley,[3] once in the League Cup against Scunthorpe United[4] and once in the FA Cup against Coventry City.[5]

Sunderland

Oster moved to Sunderland for a fee in excess of £1 million,[2] but again failed to find regular form. His low point at the club was when he was involved in an incident that ended the career of reserve player Mark Maley by accidentally shooting him in the eye with an air rifle.[6] While at Sunderland, during the 2002–2003 season, he spent five months back on loan with his former club Grimsby Town. He enjoyed two fruitful and productive spells with the club during that season, but despite this his goals and performances could not save The Mariners from relegation, as the club struggled to stop a slide down the Football League ladder. Oster was released by Sunderland in January 2005,[7] shortly after returning to the Black Cats in disgrace from a loan at Leeds United,[8] where he scored once against Millwall.[9] There was little doubt that Grimsby would have liked Oster back but could not afford him and their financial position and reduced league status made it an unattractive option for the player.

Burnley

Following a short spell at Burnley,[2] where he scored once against Coventry,[10] Oster joined Reading on 2 August 2005.[11]

Reading

Oster made his debut for Reading against Brighton & Hove Albion on 9 August 2005 as a substitute.[12] In January 2007, he extended his contract at the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2008.[13] He notched his first Premier League goal in nearly 10 years against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium where the Royals were defeated for the first time in 2007, 2–1.[14] After a couple of years as a squad player with the Royals, including a number of Premier League sub appearances, he was released by Reading following their relegation from the Premier League, on 16 May 2008.[15]

Crystal Palace

Before signing for Crystal Palace, Oster had a trial spell at Championship rivals Derby County. Oster signed an initial six-month contract for Crystal Palace on 11 August 2008, which was extended by a further 18 months.[16] He scored on his debut against Hereford United in the League Cup.[17]

Doncaster Rovers

Oster left Crystal Palace in the summer and joined Doncaster Rovers on a six-month contract. Oster made his Doncaster debut on 8 August 2009, coming on as a second-half substitute against Watford. He extended his contract in January 2010 to keep him at the club until the end of the 2009–10 season. He scored his first goal for Doncaster against Peterborough United on 16 March 2010.[18]

Due to his impressive form in the 2009–10 season, Rovers offered Oster the opportunity to renew his contract with the club. Oster agreed and committed to Doncaster for a further two years. Oster was an ever present for Doncaster in the 2010–11 season after topping the Rovers' appearance chart in mid April with 38 starts. In May 2012, Oster was released by the club after the expiry of his contract.[19]

Barnet

On 7 September 2012, Oster signed for Football League Two club Barnet. On 19 October 2012, he scored his first goal for Barnet, scoring the third goal in a 4–0 win against Northampton Town.[20] Oster was released by manager Edgar Davids at the end of the season following Barnet's relegation from League Two.[21]

Gateshead

On 20 September 2013, Oster signed for Conference Premier club Gateshead on non-contract terms, the move being his first into Non-league.[22] He made his debut the following day as a second-half substitute against Tamworth.[23] He scored his first goal for Gateshead on 21 December 2013 in a 4–2 defeat at Luton Town.[24]

International career

Oster made his debut for Wales as an 18-year-old in 1997, coming on as an injury-time substitute for Robbie Savage in a World Cup qualifying defeat in Belgium. Oster played intermittently for the national side between 1997 and 2004, accumulating 13 caps, though only six of these came in competitive games.[25] Oster did not play in any games under John Toshack following his appointment in November 2004, his last cap for Wales being the 2–2 draw with Northern Ireland in 2004 under previous boss Mark Hughes.[26]

Coaching career

In September 2019, Oster was appointed as assistant manager of Whickham under manager Matty Pattison. The duo resigned from their position on 1 February 2020.[27]

Personal life

In April 2002 whilst at Sunderland, Oster accidentally shot reserve team player Mark Maley with an air-gun. Neither of the pair believed the gun was loaded and Maley had to undergo an eye operation.[28] Whilst on loan at Leeds United in December 2004 Oster and Jamie McMaster were suspended by the club for misbehaving at the club's Christmas party. The incident spelled the end of his Leeds career and his loan was terminated.[29] In 2005 his Sunderland contract was terminated after he was arrested for assault outside a Durham nightclub.[30]

Career statistics

Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season Division League Cup[lower-alpha 1] Play-offs Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Grimsby Town 1996–97[31] First Division 24311–254
Everton 1997–98[32] Premier League 31141–352
1998–99[33] Premier League 9051–141
Total 4019200493
Sunderland 1999–2000[34] Premier League 10030–130
2000–01[35] Premier League 8061–141
2001–02[36] Premier League 0000–00
2002–03[37] Premier League 3020–50
2003–04[38] First Division 3858020485
2004–05[39] First Division 9020–110
Total 68521120615
Barnsley (loan) 2001–02[36] First Division 2000–20
Grimsby Town (loan) 2002–03[37] First Division 17600–176
Leeds United (loan) 2004–05[39] Championship 8100–80
Burnley 2004–05[39] Championship 15130–181
Reading 2005–06[40] Championship 33181–412
2006–07[41] Premier League 25160–311
2007–08[42] Premier League 18000–180
Total 76214100903
Crystal Palace 2008–09[43] Championship 31321–334
Doncaster Rovers 2009–10[44] Championship 40140–441
2010–11[45] Championship 41020–430
2011–12[46] Championship 30130–331
Total 111290001202
Barnet 2012–13[47] League Two 28200–282
Gateshead 2013–14 Conference Premier 3224030392
2014–15 Conference Premier 3514050441
Total 6738080833
Career total 4872968610056535

International
Appearances and goals by national team and year[25]
National teamYearAppsGoals
Wales 199720
199810
199910
200000
200100
200200
200340
200450
Total130

Honours
Reading
Individual

Notes
  1. Includes FA Cup, League Cup, FA Community Shield and FA Trophy

References
  1. "John Oster". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  2. "Oster signs contract at Burnley". BBC Sport. 30 January 2005. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  3. Hadfield, Dave (20 September 1997). "Speed satisfies his thirst for goals". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
  4. "Everton 5 – 0 Scunthorpe". SportingLife. 1 October 1997. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
  5. Bramwell, Neil (13 February 1999). "Jeffers springs eternal for Blues". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
  6. Fifield, Dominic (26 April 2002). "Sunderland player accidentally shot in the face by team-mate". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  7. "Sunderland end Oster's contract". BBC Sport. 27 January 2005. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  8. "Leeds sack Oster after incident". BBC Sport. 31 December 2004. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  9. "Leeds 1–1 Millwall". BBC. 19 December 2004. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
  10. "Coventry 0–2 Burnley". BBC. 12 February 2005. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
  11. "Makin and Oster pen Reading deals". BBC Sport. 2 August 2005. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  12. "Little and Kitson strike as Royals earn first win of the season". readingfc.co.uk. 9 August 2005. Archived from the original on 8 October 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  13. "Oster commits his future to Royals as he signs new contract until summer of 2008". readingfc.co.uk. 31 January 2007. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  14. "Oster is ready for United challenge after his first Premiership goal in ten years". readingfc.co.uk. 26 February 2007. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  15. "Four offered deals, six released". readingfc.co.uk. 16 May 2008. Archived from the original on 28 September 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2008.
  16. "Eagles snap up Oster and Griffit". BBC Sport. 11 August 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  17. "Crystal Palace 2–1 Hereford". BBC. 12 August 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
  18. "Peterborough 1 – 2 Doncaster". BBC. 16 March 2010. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
  19. "Dozen depart from Rovers". Sky Sports. 18 May 2012.
  20. "Barnet sign ex Doncaster Rovers midfielder John Oster". BBC Sport. 7 September 2012.
  21. "RETAINED LIST – PHASE ONE". Barnet FC. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
  22. "Gateshead sign midfielder John Oster on non-contract terms". BBC Sport. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  23. "Tamworth v Gateshead". BBC Sport. 21 September 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  24. "Luton v Gateshead". BBC Sport. 21 December 2013. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  25. "John Oster". 11v11.com.
  26. "Wales 2–2 N Ireland". BBC Sport. 8 September 2004. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  27. "Club Statement: Management team depart from Whickham – Whickham Football Club".
  28. Fifield, Dominic (26 April 2002). "Sunderland player accidentally shot in the face by team-mate". The Guardian. London.
  29. Johnson, William (28 December 2004). "Leeds suspend party pair for bad behaviour". The Daily Telegraph. London.
  30. LTD, Digital Sports Group. "Oster Ostracised By Club – LeedsUtdMAD". leedsunited-mad.co.uk.
  31. "Games played by John Oster in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  32. "Games played by John Oster in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  33. "Games played by John Oster in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  34. "Games played by John Oster in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  35. "Games played by John Oster in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  36. "Games played by John Oster in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  37. "Games played by John Oster in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  38. "Games played by John Oster in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  39. "Games played by John Oster in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  40. "Games played by John Oster in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  41. "Games played by John Oster in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  42. "Games played by John Oster in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  43. "Games played by John Oster in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  44. "Games played by John Oster in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  45. "Games played by John Oster in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  46. "Games played by John Oster in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  47. "Games played by John Oster in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  48. "J.Oster". Soccerway. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
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