Spencer Day’s first newcomer ahead of the 2024/25 season joins after a season with Woking in Non-League’s top flight.
Manny is a product of Brentford’s Youth system – where he spent four years before departing at the end of the 2014/15 season.
The powerful central midfielder played for Exeter City in the EFL during the 2015/16 season and then spent time with Aldershot Town in The National League for the next season and a half.
A fantastic opportunity arose in May 2018, which saw Oyeleke return to the EFL with League Two Port Vale. He went on to make 52 appearances over the three years, as his progress on the pitch was hindered due to injuries, as well as the 2019/20 season ending prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April 2021, Manny finished the season by helping Chesterfield qualify for The National League Play-Offs and returned for the following campaign where he went on to make 28 appearances under Paul Cook.
The Wandsworth-born midfielder made the move to Woking in July 2023, signing a one-year deal under then Manager Darren Sarll. Oyeleke played 14 times for The Cards as they finished The National League season in 17th place with 55 points.
Described by himself as “dynamic and strong on the ball”, the 31-year-old is comfortable in central midfield and can also slot in to the right-back position.
Speaking to the Club’s media after becoming a Boro player, Manny said:
“I’m really happy, can’t wait to get started. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the club and I’m looking to hopefully be a part of it.
“I’m a midfielder who likes to dictate the play, get on the ball, help my teammates win second balls, duals and be strong in the midfield.
“Obviously, with my experience as well, I like to help younger players improve their game also.
“My ambitions are to play as many games and help the club improve on last season’s position. The club did really well last season; they nearly got into the Play-Offs.
“I’m here to try and help out as much as I can to improve that position.”
Manager Spencer Day commented:
“What a signing we all hope this can be!
“Described to me by many football contacts as ‘one of the very best central midfielders in the National League never mind the NLS and a total professional both on and off the pitch’.
“Manny comes to Boro with structured plan to get on the pitch as much as possible after some frustrating years.
“What impressed me most was his backing himself by protecting the club financially so the signing was a ‘no brainer’.
“He will bring so much quality on and off the pitch and similar to Kev Lokko two years ago, I’m hoping our part-time process will only assist getting Manny on the pitch as much as possible.”
Manny has been allocated shirt number 7.
