FORMER Oxford United favourite Josh Ruffels hasn’t ruled out a return to his hometown club in the future.

The 30-year-old left back joined Huddersfield Town from the U’s in June 2021, bringing to an end his eight-year stay at United.

Ruffels played 317 games for the U’s, and scored 23 goals.

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The Oxford-born defender signed from Coventry City in the summer of 2013, and was initially used as a midfielder, before converting to left back.

He moved to that position towards the end of the 2015/16 campaign, and helped United gain promotion from Sky Bet League Two.

His contract was expiring at the end of his final season with the club, and while he was offered fresh terms in the middle of the campaign, Ruffels held off signing a new deal, amid reported interest from various Championship clubs.

Premier League sides Luton Town and Nottingham Forest, both in the second tier at the time, were said to be looking at Ruffels, who eventually opted for Huddersfield.

Ruffels was back at Grenoble Road on Easter Monday, to watch his former side beat Fleetwood Town 4-0.

Asked whether he could see himself returning to the U’s in a playing capacity, he told BBC Radio Oxford: “We’re nice and settled now, and we’re really enjoying it, but you never know in football. It’s very unpredictable and it’s a place that’s close to my heart, so I could never say never to be honest.”

Assessing United’s season so far, he added: “It’s always a tough league. The way we started was amazing and it was a dream to start that well.

“You always have highs and lows in the season, but there’s still an opportunity there, and an opportunity in the play-offs.

“You’ve got to stay positive, it’s a long old run, and as long as you’ve still got that chance, you’ve got to remain positive.”

In February, Ruffels was ruled out for the remainder of the season, as he rehabilitates from groin and hernia issues.

He said: “It’s been a bit of a tough season for me personally, and on the pitch, it hasn’t been the easiest.

“I’ve been injured since November and it’s been confirmed that I’m out for the season, so it’s a tough one for me personally considering I’ve not really been injured throughout my whole career.

“It’s a learning curve and I’m aiming to be back for pre-season. I’m supporting the lads as much as I can and hopefully we can survive.”

The Terriers are third from bottom in the Championship, and a point shy of safety.

Ruffels has made 56 appearances for the West Yorkshire side, with 11 of those coming this season.