JOSH Ruffels’ eight-year stay at Oxford United is over after he completed his move to Huddersfield Town.

The left back turned down a new contract with the U's and will join the Sky Bet Championship club when his current terms expire on June 30.

Ruffels, 27, has signed a two-year deal at Huddersfield following weeks of uncertainty over his future.

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The long-serving defender played 318 games across eight seasons and only 19 people have made more U's appearances in the club's history.

And Ruffels will look back on his time with his home town club fondly.

He said: “It’s an exciting challenge and I am looking forward to testing myself at Huddersfield.

"At the same time I want to thank everyone at Oxford United for the last few years.

"There have been so many great memories.

"I leave on good terms with everyone behind the scenes and will miss working with them all but my biggest thanks have to be for the fans who have been incredible.

"I am sure the club is on the right path to bring them the success they deserve.”

The Oxford-born defender was just 19 when he signed from Coventry City in 2013 and was initially used as a midfielder, before converting to left-back.

Ruffels moved to that position towards the end of the 2015/16 season to help United gain promotion from Sky Bet League Two, while he also made three Wembley appearances with the U's.

He found the net 23 times for United, with his tally of seven goals and six assists in 2020/21 the best of his career.

With his contract expiring this summer, Ruffels was offered fresh terms in the middle of last season.

But he held off signing a new deal amid reported interest from Nottingham Forest, with fellow Championship clubs Huddersfield and Luton Town also joining the race.

Ruffels featured 156 times under Karl Robinson, the most of any player, and the head coach paid tribute to a U's stalwart.

He said: “It’s sad to see him go, he has been a wonderful servant to the club and he is a fantastic young man who we all have enormous respect for.

"I know it was a tough decision for him, we have been very open with each other all along, but all we can do is wish him well and thank him for everything he has done for this football club.” 

Huddersfield finished 20th in the Championship last season, six points above the relegation zone, having dropped out of the Premier League in 2018/19.