He also scored one goal in the League Cup, in Blackpool's 7–1 second-round victory over Charlton Athletic at Bloomfield Road on 25 September 1963.
In 1964–65, Oates made 30 appearances and scored twelve goals in the league, finishing second-top scorer behind Ray Charnley.
In Stan Mortensen's first full season in charge, 1967–68, Oates made 23 league appearances and scored three goals (all of which came in victories).
Oates' final appearance for Blackpool occurred seven games into the 1968–69 season, in a single-goal victory over Bolton Wanderers at Bloomfield Road on 7 September 1968.
Oates also played for Wigan Athletic in the early 1970s, scoring 30 goals in 100 Northern Premier League appearances.