Graham Oates (born 4 December 1943 in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire) is an English former professional footballer. He played as a midfielder. Oates began his career with Ron Suart's Blackpool in 1961. He made his debut for the Division One club on 16 September 1961, in a 3–1 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest. He made just three more league appearances during the 1961–62 campaign, but scored Blackpool's goal in their 1–1 draw with Leyton Orient in their League Cup second round, first leg tie on 4 October 1961.