Celebrity Fan Web – Josh Ruffels, a versatile 31-year-old footballer, has joined Shrewsbury Town after leaving Huddersfield Town at the end of last season. Ruffels, who can play as a wing-back and in midfield, was a free agent before training with Shrewsbury in recent weeks. His signing strengthens the League Two club’s squad, with his experience in multiple positions adding depth.
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Ruffels reunites with Shrewsbury’s manager, Michael Appleton, who previously worked with him at Oxford United. The pair had a successful partnership during Appleton’s three-year tenure at Oxford, where Ruffels played a crucial role. Appleton has expressed his excitement about Ruffels’ arrival, praising his reliability and versatility.
“He’ll bring a lot of quality – no doubt about that,” Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire. “One of the biggest words I can use for Josh is reliable. You know exactly what you’re getting week in, week out. He’s a great character off the pitch, and his leadership qualities will be invaluable to the team.”
A Storied Career and a Return to Familiar Ground
Ruffels began his career at Coventry City before making a name for himself at Oxford United, where he spent eight seasons. Over this period, he made more than 250 appearances for the U’s and played an important part in their promotion from League Two in the 2015-16 season. His consistent performances caught the attention of Huddersfield Town, where he signed in July 2021.
During his two seasons with Huddersfield, Ruffels played in the Championship before the club’s relegation in 2023. Despite this setback, he left the Terriers as a free agent and is now embarking on the next chapter of his career with Shrewsbury Town. Appleton, who knows Ruffels well, believes the midfielder will make an immediate impact at the club.
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“I worked with him for a long time at Oxford, and we’re delighted to have him here,” Appleton said. “I didn’t think we’d be able to get someone of his quality, but I like to think it’s because of the relationship we had. He knows me well, and we’ve been quite good to him over the last month or so.”
Ruffels’ signing marks a significant addition for Shrewsbury, with Appleton noting that the decision was a collaborative process. After weeks of patience, the club managed to bring the experienced player on board, adding an important piece to their squad for the upcoming season.