Oxford United have added to their already impressive Development Squad for this season with the signing of Josh Ruffels on a one-year deal. The 19 year-old midfielder began his career with United as he rose through the youth ranks, before the youngster sealed a switch to Coventry City at Under-8 level.

Ruffels, who lives locally in Kidlington, made his first-team debut for the Sky Blues against Premier League newboys Crystal Palace in the Championship back in 2011, but was released from the Division Three side this summer after making just one more senior appearance.

The midfielder has put pen to paper on a contract at the Kassam Stadium following a successful trial, and will form part of the Yellows’ strong line-up in the club’s Development Squad for this year. Ruffels will join the likes of Matt Bevans, Kenzer Lee and Josh Shama in joining United’s youthful set-up during this transfer window, with the majority of the squad being players under the age of 21.

Yellows Boss Chris Wilder was delighted to welcome Ruffels back: “The development squad looks strong and Josh is a player we think has every chance of coming through and being a first-team player on a regular basis.

“He is an Oxford lad who perhaps slipped through the net when he was a boy. The way the club has rebuilt the youth side of things means that we are now able to attract good players with great potential again.

“He is level-headed, wants to work hard at his game, and we are delighted that he has committed his future to the club.”