Bury re-sign versatile Oxford defender Skarz

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

League One Bury have re-signed defender Joe Skarz after he ended his time at Oxford United by mutual consent.

The 27-year-old previously made 145 appearances for the Shakers during a three-year spell with the club, before being released at the end of the 2012-13 season and joining Oxford.

With the U’s, Skarz went on to win the League Two title and the Checkatrade Trophy in 2016, and made 38 appearances for Michael Appleton’s side last season as they narrowly missed out on the top-six in League One.

Speaking to the club’s official wbesite, Bury manager Lee Clark said: “Joe has played at left-back, but can also play as a left-sided centre-half and, for me, that’s a big factor. I want players that can be versatile.

“We are not going to be carrying the same number of players as last season.

“Joe is accomplished at left-back and he can challenge Greg Leigh, but he can also give us that cover as a left-sided centre-half which is a big factor.

“He’s done very well with Oxford, with two appearances at Wembley, he understands the pressure.”

Skarz came through the ranks at his boyhood club Huddersfield, and made his debut for the Terriers in 2006, before going on to make over 70 appearances in West Yorkshire, some of which came under Clark’s leadership.

The former Birmingham and Kilmarnock boss added: “Joe is another player that has an affinity with the Club and I’ve also got a good relationship with him after being his Manager at Huddersfield.

“I know what we are getting with him. He’s a very experienced player having played numerous games, he’s a very accomplished player.”