Chris Gunter addresses Aaron Ramsey Oxford United rumours

Ramsey was appointed Oxford head coach last month, replacing the sacked Matt Bloomfield, and is yet to have his backroom staff confirmed.

It is former Arsenal midfielder Ramsey’s first permanent head coach role, with the 35-year-old taking training for the first time last week as the U’s squad returned to the club for pre-season.

Ex-Reading and Cardiff City defender Gunter has been rumoured to be joining the new Yellows boss as his assistant.

The two Welshmen were teammates for their national team in their playing days, with Ramsey working with the Wales first team and manager Craig Bellamy whilst playing at Cardiff before later retiring.

Gunter’s Wales bowed out of the UEFA Men’s Under-19 Championships with a 3-0 defeat to Denmark at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground at the weekend, their third successive loss.

The Red Dragons had previously lost 7-0 to Spain and 4-0 against Germany in the eight-team tournament held in North Wales.

Matt Bloomfield breaks silence with LMA statement after Oxford United sacking

“I was excited to continue this work and implement our clear vision”#oufc https://t.co/CGPB78uzoX pic.twitter.com/g1gyWkmSP6

— malachi (@MalachiObrey) July 3, 2026

After the loss to Denmark, Gunter was asked about the links to Oxford, telling the BBC : “I’ve been so busy making sure that we have appeared in this tournament.

“There’s been absolutely no time to be talking about potential moves or anything else other than that.”

United’s head of football operations, Ed Waldron, previously said that announcements on Ramsey’s backroom staff would soon be made.

Ex-Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey is new Oxford United head coach (Image: David Davies/PA Wire)

“There’s still some bits to discuss and finalise but there will be an announcement in due course with Aaron’s staff and we’ll be ready to go,” Waldron said at the U’s new coach’s first press conference.

The U’s are travel to Spain for a pre-season warm-weather training camp on Sunday before returning and playing the first of their four friendlies on July 21 away at National League side Aldershot Town.

READ MORE: Oxford United detail reasons for stadium challenge refusal

READ MORE: Oxford United ‘closing in’ on League Two free agent signing

Competitive action begins on August 8 in the Carabao Cup against Leyton Orient at the BetWright Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

The League One campaign kicks off a week late as the Yellows host newly-promoted MK Dons at the Kassam Stadium on August 15, with a 12:30 kick-off.

Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey hugs fellow countryman Mark Harris (right) (Image: Oxford United)

The U’s head into the season with an exciting young manager in his first permanent head coach role in Ramsey.

Oxford have made just one signing so far this summer with the arrival of Frankie Kent on a free transfer.

United have most recently been linked with Oxford-born winger Jordan Thomas who is currently a free agent after leaving Cheltenham Town at the end of last season.