Career
Barnsley
Oates began his career at Barnsley since joining them at six and in May 2013, Oates signed his first professional contract during his second-year scholars, for one year. This came after Oates was awarded for the "Academy Scholar of the Year". After spent pre-season in Spain with Barnsley"s first team and to get first football, Oates was loaned out to Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity on a one-month deal.
Oates made his Gainsborough Trinity debut against Telford United the next day. he then scored a brace, in a 2-2 draw against Worcester City.
On 31 January 2014, Oates joined another Conference North side Stockport County in the 2013-2014 season. By the end of February, Oates had loan at Stockport County extended for another month.
Oates then scored his first Stockport County goal and earned himself "Manitoba of the Match", in a 2-2 draw against Barrow on 5 March 2014. Following this, Oates signed a new one-year contract with Barnsley in May 2014.
After making his Barnsley debut, coming on as a substitute for Sam Winnall in the 89th minutes against Crewe, Oates signed for Conference Premier team Grimsby Town on a one-month loan on 19 September 2014.
Oates scored on his debut for Grimsby Town, coming on as an 63rd-minute substitute for Jack Mackreth in a Conference Premier match against Kidderminster Harriers, firing in from 20 yards on 85 minutes. Oates signed for Conference Premier team Chester on loan until 20 December 2014. Oates made his Chester debut the same day, coming on as a substitute for Craig Hobson in the 65th minutes, in a 3-1 loss against Macclesfield Town.
Oates then scored two goals in two consecutive games against Bristol Rovers and Dartford.
Upon returning to Barnsley, Oates played his first match for Barnsley on 26 December 2014 since returning from a loan spell, coming on as a substitute for Kane Hemmings in the 67th minutes, in a 1-0 loss against Preston North End. After this, Oates was among seven players released by the club
Following his release by Barnsley, Oates find it strange to leave Barnsley for fourteen years, but accepted the knowledge of moving on. Hartlepool United
After being released by Barnsley, Oates joined League Two side Hartlepool United on 28 May 2015, though the contract details yet known.
