admin‘He brings quality’: Michael Appleton on why Josh Ruffels can have big Shrewsbury Town impact
Michael Appleton believes Josh Ruffels’ quality and versatility will be hugely important for Shrewsbury Town as they attempt to climb away from the League Two drop zone. Appleton said Ruffels brings experience, technical calm and the kind of positional flexibility that gives the manager tactical options during a difficult run of fixtures.
Salop completed the signing of the former Huddersfield Town and Oxford United midfielder/defender last month, having held a long-term interest in the 31-year-old. Ruffels — who worked with Appleton at the Kassam Stadium and made more than 300 appearances for Oxford United during a long spell with the club — had been training with Shrewsbury as well as other clubs while he considered his next move.
Ruffels made his first start in central midfield in Shrewsbury’s recent FA Cup victory at South Shields, a match in which he played well as part of a rotated side. He then marked his first league start by scoring — a bright moment in an otherwise disappointing day as Salop were beaten at Crewe Alexandra.
Appleton described Ruffels as a “low-risk” signing: a player whose experience and professionalism mean he can be relied upon immediately without a long bedding-in process. The manager stressed that the 31-year-old’s ability to play across the back four and in midfield gives the squad flexibility — an asset while the club fights to arrest a poor run of results.
The defeat at Crewe saw Shrewsbury slip back into the League Two bottom two, increasing the pressure on Appleton and his players ahead of a crucial home trip to Newport County this weekend. Appleton said the squad must respond quickly, and that signings such as Ruffels are aimed at adding experience and stability to help produce that response.
Background: Ruffels’ professional career began over a decade ago; after establishing himself at Oxford United — where he was a regular and a fan favourite — he later played for Huddersfield and had further spells at Championship and League One level before becoming available as a free agent this season. Shrewsbury’s capture was the result of a sustained interest and the club moving quickly once a deal looked possible.
Appleton added: “He brings real quality and calmness in possession — I know exactly what he’s capable of from our time together. His versatility will be massive for us.” The manager believes that if Ruffels stays fit and adapts to the League Two intensity, he can be a influential figure in the dressing room as Salop aim to climb the table.
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