JOSH Ruffels’ exit took away the prospect of the left back reaching another Oxford United milestone next season.

The 27-year-old departed for Huddersfield Town last week, leaving him stranded on 318 U’s matches – for now, at least.

Ruffels was already 20th in United’s all-time list, but only needed another 22 appearances to rocket up to 15th.

The defender was not the only man with the chance to write his name in the U’s record books, though.

These players are within reach of milestones in 2021/22.

GOALS

James Henry had his worst season in front of goal for United in 2020/21, finding the net just seven times.

But the midfielder did sneak into joint-16th place in the U’s all-time list, his tally of 47 taking him level with John Shuker and John Durnin.

Henry could easily reach his half-century by Christmas if he stays fit, while eight strikes would put him equal tenth with Matt Murphy.

One player who could catch him is Matty Taylor, who has raced to 36 goals in his two seasons with United.

The No 9 has led the scoring charts in both of his campaigns and will back himself to get to 50 – and beyond – next term.

APPEARANCES

Ruffels’ exit means Simon Eastwood has the most appearances of the current squad, although he will not add too many to his total of 215 if he remains No 2 to Jack Stevens.

Henry, meanwhile, is just 15 short of the 200-game mark as he goes into his fifth season.

In a campaign of 50-plus matches any player can add another half-century to their personal tally in theory, but some are much closer than others.

Of the players currently contracted, Mark Sykes needs eight more appearances to reach 100, with Taylor and Elliott Moore one and three behind him respectively.

Alex Gorrin (85) and Jamie Hanson (82) are also within 20 games, while Cameron Brannagan needs six matches to bring up 150.

MANAGER

Karl Robinson spoke last month about how special it would be to manage his 600th game in a Wembley play-off final, but it was not to be.

United’s semi-final defeat to Blackpool left their head coach stranded on 599, so he will instead reach the milestone in the first game of next season.

Robinson has managed 179 U’s matches, winning 75 and losing 56.