Jake Oakey is a manager’s dream. So says Bourton Rovers boss Scott Powles, who is delighted with the progress that the young midfielder has made this season.

The 21-year-old has established himself in the first team this campaign as the club look to make a big impression in Hellenic League Division Two West.

“He’s playing in an attacking midfield role,” said Powles. “He’s a strong lad but he’s skilful and creative. He’s got a low centre of gravity and he doesn’t get pushed off the ball.”

Oakey, a former pupil at Cotswold School, has been involved with Bourton Rovers since the age of five and has come through all the age group sides before establishing himself in the club’s flagship team.

And just as much as his playing ability, Powles has been impressed by Bourton-based Oakey’s attitude.

“It’s been spot on,” purred Powles, “absolutely fantastic. His workrate is unbelievable. He’s become a bit of a role model, he gives 110 per cent every time he goes out on the pitch.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s a manager’s dream – he doesn’t answer back and does what he’s told to do!”

Powles, meanwhile, is in his fourth season as manager of the club after being forced to give up playing because of arthritis in his hips.

He played for Easington Sports and Steeple Aston before moving to the Venice of the Cotswolds four years ago to take a job at Cotswold School.

He’s committed to the club too because he also doubles up as the club’s programme editor, while his wife Sarah is the club’s secretary and match secretary.

It’s a busy time for the club off the pitch as the club look to improve the facilities at their ground, just off Rissington Road, to the standard required to play in Division One West.

The club are currently fundraising and chairman Brian Hall told The Local Answer in the summer: “We need more floodlights all around the ground, railings on three sides of the pitch, a hardstanding area for supporters and a stand for 50 people.

“The floodlights will be the big thing. It’s all going to cost us £45,000 to £50,000 so it’s not cheap.”