Defender Joe Skarz joins from Rotherham
Oxford United today completed the signing of defender Joe Skarz from Championship outfit Rotherham United.Skarz, who started his career at Huddersfield, where he made over 80 appearances, joined Rotherham on loan from Bury at the end of the 2012/13 season, in time to win promotion to League One with the Millers. He was a key member of Steve Evans’ side as Rotherham won promotion to the Championship, where he started almost every game before being injured in late November.
Skarz is a versatile defender who likes to play box to box. He never shirks a tackle and is a dependable and consistent player whose enthusiasm was evident throughout his time at the New York Stadium.
As well as two promotions under his belt, Skarz was also in the Football League 2 PFA team of the year 2010/11 while with Bury, where he made 145 appearances over just three seasons.
United Head Coach Michael Appleton said: “This is a huge signing for us. Joe has been a regular player in a Championship side this season and he brings vital experience to our defence. He is someone who we’ve been keeping an eye on all season and as soon as we heard he was available we made our move. I think it speaks very highly of us that Joe was prepared to drop two divisions to come here despite other clubs also chasing him.”
Skarz commented: “I believe this is a great opportunity for me and an exciting challenge. I’ve seen the facilities at Oxford and the squad that they are building here and it’s something that I’d love to be a part of.
"They are obviously in a false position and I’m looking forward to help take the club forward.”
See a full interview in Yellow Player right now