In transfer news, The chase for former Huddersfield Town defender Josh Ruffels is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing stories of the lower league transfer scene. The 31-year-old left back, now a free agent after leaving the Terriers in the summer, has no shortage of admirers, and Shrewsbury Town are among those vying for his signature.
Shrewsbury boss Michael Appleton has confirmed that his side are keen on a reunion with Josh Ruffels, a player he knows extremely well from their time together at Oxford United. However, the manager has also admitted that the Shrews are far from the only club trying to tempt the experienced full-back into signing on the dotted line.
Ruffels, who made over 400 senior appearances across spells with Coventry City, Oxford United and of course Huddersfield Town, is weighing up his next move carefully. After departing from the John Smith’s Stadium earlier this year, he was one of the seven senior players released by Huddersfield as the club reshaped its squad following a lackluster League One season, where the Terriers finished 10th place.
Josh Ruffels to Shrewsbury Town?
Since then, Josh Ruffels has been training with Shrewsbury Town to maintain fitness and assess whether a deal might suit both parties. But reports from journalist Alan Nixon suggest that the League Two outfit have already seen one offer turned down. Despite that, Appleton has made it clear that the door remains open and that talks could yet be revisited if the situation changes.
Speaking to Shropshire Star, the Shrews boss offered an honest update on the club’s pursuit of Ruffels and why the defender remains a player he rates so highly.
”Josh is someone that i’ve clearly worked with for three years at Oxford United,” Appleton explained. ”I took him from Coventry City into Oxford at the time. I think it’s one of those where there’s always a possibility, but the reality is there’s a lot of other clubs out there as well.”
Appleton confirmed that Ruffels has been exploring his options, training with other teams as he looks for the right opportunity. The Shrews boss understands that the competition is fierce, particularly for a player with Ruffels’ experience, versatility and character.
“This week, as an example, he’s not been with us. He’s been with other clubs,” Appleton continued. “While he’s a free agent and if there was an opportunity, then clearly that’s something that I would look at just because I know the player and what he can do and what he can bring.”
Ruffels’ versatility is one of his most attractive attributes. Though primarily a left-back, he has shown over the years that he can comfortably operate as a left-sided centre-back or even in midfield. That level of adaptability, combined with his consistency and calmness under pressure, makes him a valuable asset for any club looking to add reliability and experience to their ranks.
Appleton was quick to highlight that point. “He can play probably four positions comfortably and probably at the top end of League One or in the Championship,” he said. “I think I’m pretty confident in saying he’d be able to do it in League Two.”
Despite that glowing praise, Appleton was realistic when discussing the likelihood of Ruffels committing to Shrewsbury Town, warning supporters not to get too carried away given the number of teams expressing interest. “He’s not dead in the water, but I do know there’s a lot of other clubs who would certainly be having a look at him. Don’t hold your breath too much,” he added.
For Shrewsbury Town, landing a player of Ruffels’ pedigree would represent a major coup. The club have been working to strengthen their squad since the start of the campaign and have already brought in a mix of promising young talent and experienced professionals. Ruffels, who combines both leadership qualities and a deep understanding of the game, would fit neatly into Appleton’s style of play.
The left-back’s decision is likely to hinge on more than just financial factors. With several clubs interested, including sides from higher divisions, Ruffels may choose his next destination based on the project on offer and the chance for regular football. After several seasons in the Championship and League One, he will want to find a club that matches his ambition while allowing him to play an important role both on and off the pitch.
For now, the situation remains open-ended. Ruffels continues to weigh his options, while Appleton and Shrewsbury Town wait patiently in the wings, hoping that familiarity and trust might yet give them an edge. What’s certain is that any club that manages to secure his signature will be getting a seasoned professional, a consistent performer and a player who brings both quality and character to the dressing room.
As the transfer news edges closer to its final stretch, the battle for Josh Ruffels is far from over. Shrewsbury Town may not be favourites, but Michael Appleton’s determination to reunite with his former player ensures this story still has plenty of chapters left to be written.
