Experienced Shrewsbury Town star agrees new deal at Croud Meadow

Shrewsbury Town have seen off interest to tie down Josh Ruffels to a new contract at the club.

The versatile Ruffels, 32, played an influential role in helping Shrewsbury secure their League Two status under Gavin Cowan.

He made 32 appearances - 29 of them starts - in all competitions, scoring twice.

Ruffels was a regular in the Town side that clinched a finish of 19th, 10 points clear of the fourth tier drop zone.

The length of his new deal has not been disclosed.

Cowan admitted Ruffels’ form and status in the game led to strong interest in his services this summer.

“When we came into the club, we were looking for players with maturity. We were looking for dependable players and players with a high football IQ,” Cowan said.

“When you look at Josh Ruffels, you look at the games he played in and the games he missed, and he made a massive difference for us.

“Josh has been sought after, but what’s really flattering is that he’s seen the way we’ve worked since coming in.

“I had some really good conversations with him during the four games he was suspended, and it became apparent that, with the way we want to play next year and how we want to move forward, we want players of his ability and experience.

“He’ll be important in supporting what will be an experienced but also youthful team, with a lot of legs and athleticism.

“I think the words ‘dependable’ and ‘professionalism’ are really apt when talking about Josh.”

The former Huddersfield and Oxford joined Town on a free transfer last October after several weeks training with the club. He reunited with Michael Appleton - his former Oxford boss - before Appleton’s departure in late January.

A short-term deal was extended until the end of the season in January.

Many of Ruffels’ in excess of 300 career appearances had been at left-back but the experienced left-sided played several games in a midfield role for Shrewsbury. He remained a regular in the side under Cowan and featured in every game other than four-match suspension for a second red card of the season in February.

Cowan had previously stated his desire to tie out-of-contract trio Ruffels, Taylor Perry and Luca Hoole down to new deals.

The Town boss added club staff are working relentlessly to improve the squad with meetings with targets ongoing.

“I know fans always want news, so it’s nice to get this deal announced while we’re still in May,” Cowan continued.

“I’m as busy as I’ve ever been. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes - but that’s a good thing.

“As I keep saying, we are in every room. We’re not going to get every player because sometimes it’s not just about finances. Geography can play a part, and sometimes it’s about where players are in their careers.

“But I think we’re putting forward a really good case for the club - who we are, what we’re about, and the connectivity here.

“We’ve had some players who are really interested and keen. We’ve been showing people around the training ground and the stadium, and we’ve got more to do next week.

“We’re really excited to announce some new players sooner rather than later.”