Oxford united FC
Aaron Ramsey’s journey to becoming Oxford United head coach
“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.
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.
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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.
Quick thoughts after first meeting with Aaron Ramsey + Matt Bloomfield sacking saga 💭#oufc 🟡 pic.twitter.com/C6nRlbwO2E
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) June 24, 2026
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.
“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.
The U’s brought in defender Frankie Kent on a free transfer after his departure from Scottish club Hearts at the end of the season.
Kent is the club’s first new signing ahead of the 2026/27 League One season and the first under new head coach Aaron Ramsey.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Ramsey replaced Matt Bloomfield as head coach last week, with United opting for a change in leadership as they look to bounce back from Championship relegation last term.
It is the Welshman’s first permanent role as a head coach after a short, three-game stint at boyhood club Cardiff City in 2025.
Meanwhile, Oxford’s rivals have been reinforcing their squads as they prepare to compete in the third tier.
One of the most recent deals to be confirmed is Huddersfield Town’s signing of young goalkeeper Matty Young from Premier League side Sunderland.
The 19-year-old kept 15 clean sheets for Karl Robinson’s Salford City last season and recently signed a new deal with his parent club.
One signing that will catch the eye of Oxford fans is Sheffield Wednesday’s acquisition of Kidlington-born midfielder Callum Slattery from Scottish side Motherwell.
The Owls picked up the 27-year-old on a free transfer after he departed The Well at the end of his contract.
There was reported interest from United earlier in the summer but Slattery will now turn out for League One rivals Wednesday as they look to rebuild following their relegation and financial difficulties.
READ MORE: Ex-Arsenal Ramsey and Wilshere to battle in League One
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Elsewhere, Plymouth Argyle have picked up midfielder Harvey White from third-tier rivals Stevenage.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man played 50 times as he Boro reached the play-off semi-finals, scoring six goals along the way.
The 24-year-old turned down a contract offer from his former club and has since made the switch to Tom Cleverley’s Argyle where he has signed a three-year contract.
One of Oxford’s reported targets, Fred Onyedinma, recently signed a new deal with Wycombe Wanderers.
The Chairboys’ Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season was linked with Thames Valley rivals Oxford and Reading as his contract negotiations lingered, however the 29-year-old has chosen to remain in Buckinghamshire.
Last year’s other play-off semi-finalists Bradford City have brought in former Stockport County man Callum Connolly on a free transfer.
28-year-old Connolly, who won the Under-20 World Cup with England in 2017. was released by play-off losers Stockport and has joined the Bantams on a two-year contract.
Assistant head coach Mike Dodds has officially left Oxford United after just five months in the job to take on the role of assistant head coach with the Championship side.
He joined United in January 2026, and is departing to reunite with former colleague and new Rovers boss Tony Mowbray.
READ MORE: Hearts defender joins Oxford United as first summer signing
Dodds joined United alongside Matt Bloomfield, who was dismissed by the club earlier this month almost two moths after failing to keep the club in the Championship.
The assistant coach was first rumoured to be heading to Blackburn Rovers earlier this month, a move which has now been confirmed by Oxford.
A spokesperson for the club said: “We would like to thank Mike for his hard work and dedication and wish him well for the future.
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“An update on Aaron Ramsey’s backroom staff ahead of the 2026/27 season will be announced shortly.”
The 40-year-old was previously in charge of Wycombe Wanderers seven months in his head coach role to date as he was sacked in September 2025.
He was previously a coach at Sunderland for four years and Birmingham City before that where he was credited as having a positive impact on the development of Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham.
The League One home fixture against Reading, originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 29, has been postponed to September.
This is due to a request from Thames Valley Police ‘due to a number of significant events already taking place during that Bank Holiday weekend’.
READ MORE: Hearts defender joins Oxford United as first summer signing
The new date for the match is Tuesday, September 8, with a 7.45pm kick-off at the Kassam Stadium.
Oxford United said that should either of the clubs progress to round three of the Carabao Cup, the fixture would instead be played on Tuesday, September 15.
A spokesperson for Oxford United said: “We appreciate the understanding of supporters affected by this change and will provide any further updates, including ticket information, in due course.”
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