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Aaron Ramsey’s journey to becoming Oxford United head coach

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“I’ve been planning for this for the last few years,” Ramsey told the media upon his arrival in OX4, and his path has been carefully paved.

The Welshman spent 11 years at Premier League giants Arsenal, a decade of which were under iconic manager Arsene Wenger.

Immediately under Wenger’s wing, the young midfielder was patiently developed into one of Europe’s best midfielders after arriving at the Emirates Stadium in 2008 as a teenager.

Ramsey bagged FA Cup final-winning goals in both 2014 and 2015 before winning a third in 2017 and his eventual departure for Italian giants Juventus in 2019 was dubbed a “big loss” by his former tutor.

A spell at Nice in France preceded a return to boyhood club Cardiff City, by then which Ramsey’s plan for a future in management was sprung.

The 35-year-old secured his UEFA A License in 2024 whilst playing in the Welsh capital and also obtained the UEFA Elite Youth A License which focuses on focused on high‑level, long-term youth development coaching.

Aaron Ramsey (right) in action for Arsenal.Aaron Ramsey (right) in action for Arsenal. (Image: PA)

He spent time analysing games on the side lines, including at youth level, coaching the Bluebirds’ Under-18s on occasion.

An early chance to demonstrate his tactical acumen came for the former Gunner in the 2024/25 campaign whilst in the Welsh capital when manager Omer Riza was relieved of his duties with three Championship fixtures remaining.

READ MORE: Oxford United and League One rivals complete summer transfers

READ MORE: Ex-Arsenal Ramsey and Wilshere to battle in League One

Ramsey took the wheel but could only manage two draws and a defeat with a depleted Cardiff side.

His first ever match as a head coach came against his now-club Oxford, managing a 1-1 draw at home to Gary Rowett’s U’s, but the Bluebirds were condemned to League One in Ramsey’s second, and penultimate, game.

Wales’ Aaron Ramsey during a training session (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Since he returned to Cardiff, Ramsey has spent time with the Wales international setup, garnering huge praise from head coach Craig Bellamy, and a final playing spell in Mexico with UNAM.

“I believe he’s going to be that talented and I believe he’s going to be a big asset to whoever he’s with and I’d like to see that with Wales one day,” Bellamy admitted in 2024.

Despite being careful not to name-drop anyone specific upon joining United, Ramsey has previously cited Arsenal manager and ex-teammate Mikel Arteta as inspiration.

(Image: Newsquest)

“It is inspiring because Mikel was [in Wales studying] around 10 years ago, in the same position starting his journey,” the Yellows boss said previously.

“That’s inspiring for us, to see him 10 years later, lifting the Premier League and in the Champions League final.”

All these experiences have led Ramsey to Oxford United.

Despite limited managerial experience, the new man in charge will be confident he can bring success to the U’s.





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Oxford United boss Aaron Ramsey on long-awaited Huddersfield clash

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The Yellows travel to West Yorkshire on Tuesday night for their third League One fixture of the season.

Ramsey’s side have drawn and won each of their first couple of third-tier games so far and will face Huddersfield for the first time in a competitive match since 2004.

The Terriers have begun the campaign with the same record, looking impressive under manager Martin Drury.

Oxford beat last season’s play-off semi-finalists Stevenage last time out, two second-half strikes seeing a resolute United past their physical opponents.

“We want to be on the front foot,” Ramsey reiterated ahead of the trip to the Accu Stadium.

“We want to be controlling games and that’s the way that my staff and I feel like is the best way to do that and win football games.

“It’s difficult to just keep taking blows and blows and trying to keep the opposition.

“For me, it’s to have as much control on the game as possible.”

The last time Oxford faced off against the Terriers was in March 2004 when they were beaten 1-0 at home in the Third Division.

In their 26 total match-ups, the Yellows have won just nine whilst Huddersfield have come away victorious on 13 occasions.

Drury’s side finished ninth in the third tier last season but, after bringing in some good new signings, are set for a strong campaign in a competitive league.

“They’re a really good team,” Ramsey admitted.

“The manager has implemented his ideas across there and you can see that they’re a settled team with good ideas.

Oxford United manager Aaron RamseyOxford United manager Aaron Ramsey (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

“But, again, full focus is on us and on how we want to approach the game.

“We’ve had a few tests so far, which we really stood up to.

“So, it’ll be different on Tuesday, another tough test, but one that will prepare the boys as best we can.

READ MORE: Ramsey says Mills departure ‘best solution’ for Oxford United

READ MORE: Ex-Oxford United goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge joins Tottenham Hotspur

“When the boys are playing the way that they are and buying into it, yeah, of course, there has to be positivity around there.

“Obviously, as well, there’s moments when we do look back on things and we identify areas that we can improve on.

“We want to win football games, so we need to score goals. We want to be exciting.”

Tuesday night also sees the arrival of transfer deadline day.

11PM – approximately an hour after full time in West Yorkshire – sees the window slam shut.

Oxford remain under a temporary transfer embargo, however Ramsey has said that the club is “working to try and come up with a few things” after Stanley Mills left for Championship club Preston North End last week.





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Oxford United CEO resignation after relegation and transfer embargo

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Following a turbulent summer at Oxford United, which has included a change of manager and a transfer embargo, the club’s CEO has resigned.



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What next for Oxford United after Stanley Mills departure

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The summer-long saga has felt more like a decade and surely head coach Aaron Ramsey has felt the same after enduring the ritual of being asked about Mills’ status on a weekly basis.

After missing the U’s first pre-season friendly, the winger scored in the second, a 2-1 win over Barnet, and featured in the following couple.

He then missed out in the first competitive game of the season, a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leyton Orient, before a move to PNE was confirmed by Ramsey ahead of the League One opening day, but not until January.

Mills messaged his boss requesting not to play in the 2-2 opening day home draw with MK Dons before coming off the bench to assist Gatlin O’Donkor in the Yellows’ 2-1 win at Stevenage.

That would prove to be the 22-year-old’s final display in a United shirt, the young attacker showing little enthusiasm upon Oxford taking the lead in Hertfordshire, hinting that his head had certainly been turned.

“I’ve known about it all summer and from the start I’ve wanted to be here, wanted to get going as a Preston player and now it is official.”

Stan Mills is set for a move to Preston in JanuaryStan Mills has joined Preston (Image: Jason Dawson)

Mills’ first words as a Lilywhites player say it all.

Considering the former Everton man has never scored more than three goals in a senior season, my personal opinion was that a January move would be ideal for all parties.

In an ideal world, Oxford would keep a star player for six months, Mills could get his numbers up as a standout player in a weaker league and PNE would get an in-form winger through the doors in the new year.

READ MORE: Ramsey says Mills departure ‘best solution’ for Oxford United

READ MORE: Ex-Oxford United goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge joins Tottenham Hotspur

But patience is a rare virtue in football these days and off goes the winger to Lancashire.

So, what now for United?

The U’s are without a recognised right-sided midfielder – young Aidan Elliott-Wheeler could be considered – and remain under a temporary transfer embargo.

Aidomo Emakhu has played on the right so far this season and has offered some outlet but he does look much more comfortable in his more natural position on the right.

Oxford United's Stan Mills celebrates Ciaron Brown's goal against Preston North EndOxford United’s Stan Mills celebrates Ciaron Brown’s goal against Preston North End (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)

Then there is 17-year-old Mo Missanga, a youngster who helped change the tide on the opening day against MK Dons and who has excited supporters and the U’s boss alike.

Ramsey has hinted that the Yellows are searching for solutions, and it is understood that a loan transfer where Oxford do not pay any share of the player’s wages could be a way of bringing a player in before Tuesday’s deadline.

Given the circumstances, it will be difficult to replace the ability of Mills but there is certainly a sense of relief that this saga is over.

Now it is time to focus on the football and maintain a strong league position heading into January.





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