Josh Ruffels: “He’ll work very hard and give his all to the side.”
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
The attack-minded left-back becomes one of Huddersfield’s latest signings this window, but is he ahead of Toffolo in the pecking order? Fraser from Oxford fan podcast, The Fence End Pod, tells us more.
When you see a left-back joining your club having notched up seven goals and six assists in their last campaign, you can’t help but be slightly excited. It may be the division below, but Huddersfield Town fans know how crucial attacking full-backs have been to Carlos Corberán’s side, so it’s another welcome addition to the side.
The 27-year-old has joined The Terriers on a two-year deal, with Town having the option of a further year’s extension following his contract expiry from Oxford United. Ruffels, who initially started in Oxford’s academy, moved to Coventry City where he played as a winger and made his debut in the Championship in 2011 with the Sky Blues. In the summer of 2013, he rejoined Oxford and then manager Chris Wilder moved him to left-back where he went onto win Young Player of the Year in his first season back at the Kassam Stadium.
Now, after over 300 appearances in his career and eight years with Oxford, Ruffels moves to West Yorkshire with the task of competing with Harry Toffolo for the starting left-back spot. With the move finalised, we wanted to find out what to expect from Town’s newest defender, so we spoke to Fraser from the Oxford fan podcast, The Fence End Pod, to see how Josh Ruffels has been performing for The U’s.
Photo source: HTAFC
What type of player are Huddersfield Town getting in Josh Ruffels and what do you make of the move?
He’s an absolute workhorse. He spent a long time not being a starter at Oxford and had to be patient to get a regular space in the starting lineup. He’ll work very hard and give his all to the side.
How would you describe his playing style?
He was originally a midfielder who transitioned to left-back, and you can really see that in his play. He defends well and pops up with an unusual amount of goals for a left-back.
What would you say his strengths and weaknesses are?
His strengths are that you’ll get 100% effort for the 90 minutes. He scores a fair amount for a left-back too and it is almost always in stoppage time. As for his weaknesses, he has been caught short a couple of times and given away silly goals, it’s very rare, however, and which defender hasn’t?!
Photo source: HTAFC
What have been his highlights at Oxford?
His highlights include winning the Young Player Award and Fans’ Player of the Year. Scoring late goals, see in particular an absolute worldie against Wycombe Wanderers in April 2019 and he also scored the goal that sent us to the playoffs in the 19/20 season, just before lockdown started.
How would you sum up his time at Oxford?
He had spells in his early time at the club where we wondered if he’d be around for long. He wasn’t getting in the side much, and when he did it was usually for injury cover or until a better left-back came in. However, he really grew into the role and became almost un-droppable. He’s loved for being a local lad, and suddenly his 250 appearance mark came up recently which took everyone by surprise.
Photo source: HTAFC
What has the fan reaction to his departure been like? Can you tell us more about his relationship with the fans?
Fans are generally really happy for him. We’ve seen him work so hard to get into our side on a regular basis to then become a key part of the side. We’re all very happy for him and really hope he does well.
Do you think he can make an immediate impact with Huddersfield?
I think he can go right into the Huddersfield side. You will need to be patient with him, and allow him to show what he can do, but I’ve no doubt he will.
Is there anything we should know about Josh Ruffels that we don’t already?
One thing to know, he absolutely hates having his name misspelt as ‘Ruffles’. I think the club even accidentally printed that on a shirt once too.
How will Josh Ruffels get on at Huddersfield Town? Let us know in the comments.
