Josh Ruffels commits his future to Oxford United with new long-term deal
Oxford United are pleased to announce that central midfielder Josh Ruffels has signed a new long-term deal with the club which could keep him at Oxford until 2018.
Josh, 20, has shown great form this season to become a first team regular after joining as part of the successful Development Squad last summer. The Kidlington youngster began his career in the youth system at United before joining Coventry City. He returned to Oxford at the start of this season and today signed a four-year deal consisting of two definite years and two further years at the club’s option.
Josh told www.oufc.co.uk how much he is enjoying his time at his home-town club.
“I have loved being back at Oxford. The whole club is so positive and I look forward to coming in to training every day. I was looking to get a few First Team games this season if I could but the way things have worked out, I have played a lot more than I expected and my game has developed much further in the Oxford United system.
“The senior players have helped me a lot but all the young players here now know, under the new Manager, that we have a chance of pushing into the First Team if we work hard and play well.
“I am very happy to be part of what the club is trying to build and hopefully we can finish this Season with one last push into the play-off places.”
Manager Gary Waddock has been highly impressed by the midfielder’s performances:
“I am a firm believer in giving good young players a chance and I think the fans really get behind them, particularly if they are local lads. Josh has played every game for me so far and done really well this season. He works hard at his game and has a very bright future ahead. I am delighted that his future will be at Oxford United.”
See Josh discussing his new deal in Yellow Player right now
Chairman, Ian Lenagan, commented:
“This signing, following that of Josh Ashby, shows clearly our long-term determination to invest in and build a strong future of talented young players for Oxford United.“
“Tomorrow’s game against York is of huge importance to the club’s promotion ambitions and I would call upon many of the occasional Oxford fans who were there at Wembley for the last big game against York to turn up on Good Friday to support the team actively and to support Josh Ruffels who has shown his commitment to the club.”