Released Birmingham City star finds new club after 'difficult' time

Two former Birmingham City players have finally found new clubs after being released this summer.

Marcel Oakley and Scott Hogan were two of 14 players that left St Andrew's this summer after their contracts with the club expired. Hogan was a more prominent member of the senior squad, whilst Oakley had graduated from their academy.

Experienced striker Hogan has dropped down two divisions to join MK Dons in League Two. The Dons recently appointed Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsey as their new manager, and they've sought on Hogan to help inspire them to a promotion push.

Speaking about his move, Hogan said: "It's really exciting to be part of something, I've been out of contract so it's been a difficult time, and it had to be something that really got me excited to play football!

What I was told by Scott Lindsey and Liam Sweeting, about the owners and their ambition, this is going to be a really good place to be and a great project to be a part of."

Hogan signed from fiercest rivals Aston Villa in September 2020 for an undisclosed fee, having been bought for £12m by the Claret and Blue. During his time at Birmingham, scored 36 goals in 158 games.

As for Oakley, he has signed on a short-term deal with Solihull Moors of the National League. His move is subject to the league and FA approval. He could make his debut against Oldham Athletic today (October 5).

The 21-year-old made eight appearances for the first team, after making his debut as an 18-year-old in a Carabao Cup fixture against Colchester United, scoring the only goal of the game. His last appearance for the club came in as a substitute in a 3-1 defeat to Sunderland in November 2023.

Oakley was named in the match day squad to face Leeds United on New Year's Day, but that was his last involvement with the first-team. During his time with the club, he had loan spells with Scottish sides Arbroath, and Queen's Park.