After making his 300th appearance for Oxford United in Tuesday night’s defeat against Portsmouth, Josh Ruffels was the guest on BBC Radio Oxford’s Five Minutes Fans Forums.
The Oxford-born converted left-back answered several questions, including biggest achievement, contract news and best manager he has worked under. Here are some of the highlights:
What’s your favourite game in a oxford shirt
— Blake Newton (@blakenewton5) February 24, 2021
“For me, off the top of my head, I would have to say, Shrewsbury,” Ruffels answered. His last-minute winner earned the U’s a vital three points in what turned out to be the final game of last season, ultimately earning a spot in the playoffs.
out of your 300 games what’s been your biggest achievement, and what are your future goals with oufc?
— Archie Simms (@archsimms_) February 24, 2021
On the achievement, Ruffels said: “Promotion was definitely up there, even though I wasn’t involved as much as I have been.
“The 300 appearances has been a really special one for me.”
For his future goals, he added: “Just to keep going, to play as high as I can. If that’s with Oxford, that would be amazing.”
Do you miss playing in midfield , which manager has the had the most positive effect on your career
— Matthew Green (@mintygreen2) February 24, 2021
“I don’t really miss playing in midfield, to be honest,” Ruffels said. “I played there my whole life, but I’ve enjoyed left-back that much that it’s been a real positive turnaround for me.”
When asked about which manager has had the most positive effect on his career, he answered with two head coaches. “Appleton and Karl Robinson. As a manager, Appleton really had that presence around him. To get us promoted in the way he did was special.
“The gaffer now, he’s made me a real good left-back and propelled me in that position, so I’m grateful.”
Who is the best player you’ve played with at Oxford and why? #oufc
— Thompson & Terry Recruitment (@thompsonterryox) February 25, 2021
“I’ve had a lot of players that I’ve played with. John Lundstram was unbelievable. Played with both feet, diags and everything, he had it all.
“Kemar Roofe was obviously a great player for us.”
How are contract talks going?
— Ed Dorling (@eddorling) February 24, 2021
Out of contract in the summer, it wasn’t a surprise that this question came up. “We had negotiations early on in the season and it has gone a little bit quiet,” he said. “There’s no reason for that not to come back.”
Will you see out your career at oxford
— rob blake (@oufcblakey) February 25, 2021
Despite coming through the ranks at Coventry, 300 of Ruffels’ 302 career appearances have been at Oxford. The local lad said: “Staying here and seeing my career out would be unbelievable.
“I love living here, my girlfriend loves living here and having all your family and friends around you is something you really take for granted.”
