“Take him back” – Oxford United issued transfer demand over Ryan Ledson | OneFootball

FLW's Oxford United fan pundit has called for the club to bring back Ryan Ledson this summer

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Ryan Ledson’s Deepdale departure was emotional for both the player and the Preston North End supporters, after seven years of spirited performances came to a close.

After leaving the Lilywhites, Ledson has attracted numerous potential suitors, all vying to sign the midfielder on a free.

According to the Daily Record, included within this list of interested clubs are Oxford United, the club Ledson spent two years at prior to his time in Lancashire.

Football League World’s Oxford United fan pundit, Luke Nigel, would welcome the 27-year-old back to the Kassam Stadium this summer with open arms, especially due to the frugal nature of his transfer.

“Take him back” – Oxford United issued transfer demand over Ryan Ledson interest

“Ryan Ledson being linked to Oxford United isn't a surprise at all, stated Luke.” “It seems every transfer window now we are linked to a player who has previously played for us.

“Since he left seven years ago, he's gone on to make over 200 appearances in the Championship for Preston North End and proven he's a really solid, dependable Championship player.

“I would take him back. I think his style of play suits what Gary Rowett likes to have in a midfielder. He's a hardworking, ball-winning midfielder who is also capable of playing out as well.

“The question is, where does he sit in the hierarchy of the Oxford United midfield? I don't think he's miles above the level of Will Vaulks, which would mean he doesn’t walk into this Oxford United side.

“I think if he were to come in, it would be a slow process where he has to prove himself over pre-season and the start of the season to win his place in the starting 11. Gary Rowett has been very consistent since he's come into Oxford United, saying if he's going to drop anyone out of the starting 11, it has to be for someone who has really proved themselves.

“Towards the back end of last season, Vaulks and Cameron Brannagan were a key double pivot and a key reason we managed to stay in the division. Some fans will say we should shoot higher than Ryan Ledson but for me, I think it'd be a very good addition because there aren't many players like Ledson out there anymore.

“We would need another midfield player to come in in the transfer window as well, because we are short in that area but overall, you can't knock his experience and age profile when it comes to free transfers.”

Ledson would back himself to fight into the Oxford United side

Despite many tipping the midfielder for a drop down to League One, Ledson will still believe himself a capable Championship operator and would relish the opportunity to prove himself back at Oxford United.

Although Paul Heckingbottom has let Ledson leave the club, the tough-tackling talent featured heavily for North End last season when fit, especially during big matches, which required personality in abundance.

Great character and a determined playing style are attributes any manager wants in their dressing room, attributes Ledson has at the forefront of his game.

Although Vaulks and Brannagan have worked well together, putting another hungry midfielder into the mix can only add to Oxford’s potential to push up the table next season.

Oxford will face stiff competition for Ledson’s signature, with clubs such as Plymouth Argyle, Bolton Wanderers & Huddersfield Town all reportedly vying to sign the 27-year-old, and could potentially guarantee him a more influential role.

That said, if Ledson wants to prove he is still a Championship-level player, a return to Oxford might be his best bet.