Oxford united FC
Aaron Ramsey praises Oxford United owners after embargo
The former Arsenal and Premier League midfielder oversaw a 3-1 win in his first match in charge in front of supporters as Oxford came from behind away at Aldershot Town.
Aidomo Emakhu, Gatlin O’Donkor and Jeon Jin-woo scored the goals at the EBB Stadium against the National League side.
The win kicks off the U’s pre-season after a turbulent summer in which Ramsey was hired and the club was hit with a transfer embargo.
United have expressed their desire to keep the current crop of players intact before the end of the window, with the club unable to register any new players.
“That’s a real sign of intent from the owners and the people above,” Ramsey commented regarding Oxford’s commitment to keeping the squad together.
“I’m really pleased about that and excited to get going with this group of players.
“I’m calm in the situation. I’ve been reassured that this situation will be resolved very quickly.
“There are a few things that need to be put in place now over the next month or so, but I do see that being resolved before then.
“But this group of players have been brilliant and I’m just pleased that I have the opportunity now to really work with them.
“There’s enough quality in there to be competitive and to go places where we want to go this season.
READ MORE: Oxford United beat Aldershot 3-1 in Aaron Ramsey debut
READ MORE: Aldershot Town 1-3 Oxford United – Pre-season 2026/27
“The main thing now is that we all stay together.”
When asked if the club would definitely not make any signings in the summer window, Ramsey replied: “At the moment, no, because we’re in an embargo.”
After going behind, the U’s grew into the game against the Shots, the new boss seeing elements of his game come to the fore such as a high press and playing out calmly from defence.
“We want to win the ball high up, closer to the goal, to have opportunities to score,” the 35-year-old continued.
“It was very pleasing that some of these things come out tonight and some of the boys took them opportunities.
“It’s never going to be straightforward, when you come in and you’re trying to implement your ideas. But we want to be tested.
“I know it’s pre-season and…it’s a bit of a teething process. But there were so many positive clips and bits in the game today that we will show the boys now over the next few days and we can really build on that.
“These challenges that we’re going to face throughout the season, these are good tests and reference points for us to build on that.”
All the action live as Oxford United travel to Aldershot Town for their first pre-season friendly under Aaron Ramsey ahead of the 2026/27 League One season.
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Strikes from Aidomo Emakhu, Gatlin O’Donkor and Jeon Jin-woo secured the comeback after the hosts opened the scoring.
New head coach Ramsey was ever-present on the touchline as he looked to stamp his mark on his Oxford team.
Some teething issues hit the U’s early on as they conceded the first shot of the game, Hakeem Sandah sending a shot wide from just outside the box.
Oxford showed a new endeavour to play out from the back with short passes coming from Jamie Cumming in goal who was almost caught out.
Aldershot created a decent chance around 10 minutes in, Marcus Dinanga scuffing a first time effort as a low ball came his way.
A free kick conceded in Oxford’s half by Louie Sibley led to the first goal.
Dominic Odusanya saw a shot from distance blocked before John Gilbert put the ball back into the area. It was put across to Kiki Oshilaja who slotted into an open net with Cumming caught out.
United began to grow into the game after the opener, captain Cameron Brannagan putting a long shot wide.
A minute later, Emakhu levelled the score, taking a touch and firing home a low ball in from Ruben Roosken, Jamie McDonnell doing brilliantly to initially win the ball high up the pitch.
Just moments later Oxford took the lead. A mix up with the Shots keeper caused by a Cumming punt forward was capitalised on by O’Donkor who slid the ball into the open net.
A weak flick from the 21-year-old striker into the keeper’s hands preceded a shot from Dinanga which took a nick off Peter Kioso and was comfortable for Cumming.
Tensions flared as the Shots put in some feisty challenges, O’Donkor reacting to one from Oshilaja before the referee intervened.
READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey opens up on Oxford United transfer ban & squad absences
READ MORE: Four former Oxford United players join PFA free agent camp
Emakhu rippled the wrong side of the net early in the second period before all outfield players changed at the 62-minute mark.
The new Yellows began brightly, Mark Harris firing into Hayes’ grasp before Jeon Jin-woo aimed well over the crossbar.
Youngster Leo Snowden bent a fierce shot from range, forcing a save before Jin-woo had an effort parried at the near post.
The South Korean got his goal though, nicking the ball from a Shots defender at halfway before chipping the ball over the goalkeeper with aplomb.
He was unfortunately withdrawn through injury minutes later.
Aldershot: Hayes, Borgnis, Oshilaja, Odusanya, Gilbert, Dinanga, Tuma, Sandah, Stickland, Adom-Malaki, Oladunjoye
Oxford: Cumming (Eastwood 46), Kioso (Spencer 62), Helik (Golding 62), Long (Brown 62), Leigh (Currie 62), Brannagan (Vaulks 62), McDonnell (Goodrham 62), Roosken (Elliott-Wheeler 62), Sibley (Jin-woo 62, Bradney 80)), Emakhu (Snowden 62), O’Donkor (Harris 62)
All the action live as Oxford United travel to Aldershot Town for their first pre-season friendly under Aaron Ramsey ahead of the 2026/27 League One season.
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