JOE Skarz has agreed to re-sign for Bury a day after leaving Oxford United by mutual consent.

The left back signed a two-year deal with the Shakers, with the contract including an optional extension for the 2019/20 season.

It means Skarz, who made 145 appearances for Bury between 2010 and 2013, will be able to stay in Sky Bet League One and move home closer to his family in the north.

He had 12 months left on his contract with United, but with head coach Michael Appleton unable to guarantee him first-team football next season it was announced yesterday they had agreed to part company.

Boss Lee Clark told Bury's website: "Joe’s a very experienced player having played numerous games, he’s a very accomplished player.

“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 is the second U's player from last season to join Bury this summer, following right back Phil Edwards.