Ramsey appointed Oxford United head coach

Former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been appointed Oxford United head coach.

The 35-year-old arrives at Kassam Stadium following the sacking of Matt Bloomfield on Saturday.

Ramsey's only managerial experience was at the end of the 2024-25 season when he took charge of Cardiff for a brief spell in an interim role.

"From my discussions with the club, I can sense the ambition and desire for success, which gives me great excitement about this opportunity," Ramsey said.

"This is a moment I have been preparing for over many years. I've played under some of the best managers in the game and experienced high-pressure environments throughout my career.

"I want to use what I've learned to bring a culture of high standards, professionalism and work ethic to this talented group of players.

"My teams will play with a clear identity, be built on elite habits, with a commitment to improving every day.

"I want a squad that fights for the badge until the end, and one that makes our supporters proud."

Ramsey's journey to the dugout


Ramsey takes charge of an Oxford United side preparing for life back in League One after relegation from the Championship last season when they finished 22nd.

He retired from playing in April after a short stay at Mexican club Pumas UNAM in 2025.

For Wales, he scored 21 goals in 86 appearances and played at three major tournaments, including an integral role in their historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

During his Arsenal career, Ramsey made 369 appearances, winning three FA Cups and three Community Shields.

At the end of the 2018-19 season he moved to Juventus, going on to win the Serie A title in his first campaign.

A short spell in France at Nice followed before returning to Wales where he rejoined the Bluebirds.

Ramsey's ex-Arsenal team-mate Jack Wilshere is also currently managing in League One at Luton Town.

They have already met on the touchline as coaches, last year when Ramsey was at Cardiff and Wilshere at Norwich as interim head coach.

'A manager in waiting for some time'

Analysis - Jerome Sale, Oxford United commentator at BBC Radio Oxford

Ramsey joins a growing list of young EFL managers.

If Oxford fans are concerned about lack of experience, they may take heart in the recent League One success of rookie managers like John Mousinho and Michael Skubala - even Ramsey's former Arsenal team-mate Jack Wilshere.

But even though his playing career only officially ended in April, you can make a case that Ramsey has been a manager in waiting for some time.

Without exception, Oxford's successes over the years have been delivered by bosses who had low-key playing careers.

Whether by accident or design though, the U's may have recruited a new head coach whose identity should play well in both markets.

A big enough name for the owner, but surely not big enough to prefix the club's name in every media report.

I understand Oxford have spoken a lot internally about playing identity.

Fans and the board will be united in wanting to see a more front-foot U's attack in League One after two seasons of battling to survive in the Championship.

The timing of the change of management has been questioned - more than a month and a half after the season ended.

The Oxford players are back for pre-season training in a matter of days, and while there's a new face in the manager's office there are zero in the dressing room.

In addition to having input into plans for new signings, Ramsey may have to settle one or two of the existing squad who could be restless after a relegation and, now, a change of manager.

-BBC