Aaron Ramsey Appointed Oxford United Head Coach

Former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey has taken his first permanent step into management after being appointed as the new head coach of Oxford United.

​The 35-year-old replaces Matt Bloomfield at the Kassam Stadium following the club’s relegation from the Championship. Ramsey, who called time on a highly distinguished playing career in April, has signed a deal tasked with leading the U’s back from League One at the first attempt.

​The former Wales captain is widely regarded as one of the most exciting emerging coaches in the British game. He previously gained experience within the Welsh national team set-up and had a brief three-game spell as caretaker manager of his hometown club, Cardiff City, at the tail end of the 2024-25 campaign.

​”It is an honour and privilege to be appointed head coach of Oxford United,” Ramsey told the club’s official website. “From my discussions with the club, I can sense the ambition and desire for success, which gives me great excitement about this opportunity. 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 learnt to bring a culture of high standards, professionalism and work ethic to this talented group of players.”

​Ramsey brings a glittering playing resume to the dugout, having made 551 club appearances, including 369 for Arsenal. During an 11-year spell in North London under Arsène Wenger, he won the FA Cup three times, scoring the winning goal in two separate finals. He later moved to Juventus, where he clinched a Serie A title and the Coppa Italia, before brief spells at Rangers, Nice, and Mexican side Pumas UNAM. At international level, he earned 86 caps for Wales and was a pivotal figure in the historic side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

​Oxford United chairman Dusan Bogdanovic stated that the club conducted a thorough selection process to find the right leader for their next phase of development, highlighting that Ramsey’s winning mentality aligned perfectly with the board’s vision from their very first meeting.

​The U’s finished 22nd in the Championship last term, and Ramsey will have little time to waste as he begins immediate pre-season planning. The club confirmed his backroom coaching staff will be announced in due course as they prepare for the rigours of the League One campaign. .