Oakes became Bolton's tenth signing of the summer when moving on a three month loan deal from the Rams and he is keen to show what he can do in his time at the Reebok Stadium.
"This is a brilliant move and it has given me a new lease of life, I now have a target, I have something to aim for. I want to play football. My aim is to show Bolton what I can do and prove that I am worthy of staying with them in the Premiership once my loan is up."
The Northwich born keeper revealed that the past few months at Pride Park had been very hard to deal with as the club where looking to move one of their top earners off the wage bill. The emergence of youngsters Lee Camp and Lee Grant in the goalkeeping positions piled on the misery for Oakes who is the nephew of ex-Manchester City great Alan Oakes and cousin of Wolves keeper Michael.
"It is hard when you're told you are not wanted, The contract I'm on at Derby was one I signed when the club was in the Premiership and was a deal I earned at the time. I was enjoying a decent run in the side last season until I damaged my wrist. I also felt that I did well during pre-season, but no matter how well I did in friendlies or training, it seemed that I was never going to feature in the first team.
The former Hull City stopper has paid tribute to popular goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster and his predassessors Grant and Camp who have all rallied around to help him through some difficult times but now he looks to the future with the Trotters.
"The goalkeeping coach at Derby, Malcolm Webster, helped me through, as did Granty and Campy. They gave me great support, along with my family, but the move to Bolton has come at the right time."
The 27 year old was looking at the competition he will face at Bolton in the shape of Jussi Jaaskelainen and Kevin Poole paying tribute to both before looking to push them to compete for the goalkeeping positions.
"Jussi is a very good keeper and not only has Kevin had a fine career but he is also in great shape at 41, Everybody wants to play first team football, and I'm no different. I'll be looking to impress."