Oxford united FC
Ex-Arsenal Aaron Ramsey’s first words as Oxford United manager
The former Arsenal midfielder took his first press conference as Oxford head coach on Wednesday morning after the U’s parted ways with former boss Matt Bloomfield on Saturday.
The role is Ramsey’s first permanent job as a head coach after a three-game stint at Cardiff City in 2025.
“I realised how ambitious they were and where they wanted to go and everything that’s in place,” the new Yellows boss told the media.
“I knew that this was the right place for me. It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be in this position.
“I wouldn’t be sat [here] if I didn’t think I was ready. I’ve been planning for this for the last few years.
“I have a really clear way of playing and identity that I want to create, but that is built on clear principles first and then underpinned by elite habits and everyday behaviours.
“These are the things that I really want to instil into my team first and that is what I really believe will give us the platform to build our success on.”
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Ramsey enjoyed a long career at the top of the game, spending most of his time at Arsenal before a move to Italian giants Juventus and spells in Scotland, France and Mexico.
“I’ve been exposed to some of the best environments in football. I’ve played in different continents, different countries, and all of this gives me the belief that I can lead this team and make a real impact.
“Everything is in place now for us to kick on and put everything in place before the start of the season.
“Hard work…that’s one of my core principles. That will be a non-negotiable for me. I really want the fans to be excited and to be proud every time they come and watch their team.
“I did a lot of research and speaking to the guys here about the squad.
“It’s a talented group of players and I’m sure that they’ll enjoy the way that I want to play and I see the game.
“We have so much to look forward to and real quick wins that we can achieve with this team as well.
“[Entertaining the fans] is important. That’s the kid inside of you. That’s why you started playing football.
“You want to be scoring goals, you want to be exciting, on the front foot. I want my players to have that feeling. I want the crowd to be excited every time they come to watch.”
Aaron Ramsey’s appointment has been officially announced today (Tuesday, June 23) after previous manager Matt Bloomfield was sacked on Saturday, June 20.
The Welshman takes over a side that is looking to immediately return to The Championship after its relegation last season.
Mr Ramsey said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be appointed head coach of Oxford United.
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“From my discussions with the club, I can sense the ambition and desire for success, which gives me great excitement about this opportunity.”
This will be the central midfielder’s first permanent managerial position after he presided over three games for Cardiff City at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Under his brief steward they lost once and drew twice finishing bottom of The Championship. He has also worked within the Wales Men’s National Team set-up.
Mr Ramsey continued: “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.”
Over an almost 20 year playing career, the Welshman played for Cardiff City, Arsenal, Juventus and Nice, with his managers including Arsene Wenger and Andrea Pirlo.
He won three FA Cups, two Community Shields, a Serie A, a Coppa Italia, a Suppercoppa Italiana and a Scottish Cup, and was Arsenal’s Player of the Season twice.
In addition he played 86 times for Wales scoring 21 times, playing in a World Cup and the Euros.
Chairman of Oxford United Dusan Bogdanovic, said the club was determined to find a leader to shape the team’s “next stage of development”.
He added: “Aaron impressed at every stage and we are confident he is the right person to take this club forward.”
Meanwhile head of football operations, Ed Waldron, said that Mr Ramsey demonstrated the “character and drive” required for the role.
He said: “His footballing ideas match those that we have for the club and the squad, which makes this the right appointment at the right time.”
Mr Waldron added that they are working closely with the new head coach to prepare for the upcoming League One campaign.
After two years in The Championship, Oxford United was relegated last season, finishing 22nd with 47 points.
The team’s new head coach said they will play with a “clear identity” and be “built on elite habits”.
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He said: “My teams will play with a clear identity, be built on elite habits, with a commitment to improving every day.
“I want a squad that fights for the badge until the end, and one that makes our supporters proud.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role, and can’t wait to get started, meet the players, and connect with our supporters as we strive to bring success.”
The club has said an announcement will be made on Aaron Ramsey’s coaching staff in due course
Bloomfield was relieved of his duties almost two months after the U’s ended their time in the Championship with a 2-0 defeat to Millwall.
The 42-year-old took over from Gary Rowett in January as the club tried to survive in the second tier but, despite an upturn in form, was unable to keep United from dropping into League One.
The timing of Bloomfield’s departure has been questioned by fans, with the Yellows squad set to report back for pre-season on Wednesday.
Following the former Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers boss’ sacking, Irish wide man Emakhu took to Instagram to send a message to the departed head coach.
Emakhu on Bloomfield’s departure…. #oufc pic.twitter.com/k9OkYC4Zp3
— Joe Citrone (@Joe_Citrone) June 20, 2026
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Emakhu, alongside a photo of their pair, said: “A top man who made me feel at home the moment I walked through the door. Thank you gaff and all the best for the future.”
The 22-year-old U’s man arrived at the club from Millwall on deadline day of last season’s January transfer window and has made 12 appearances for the club.
Ex-Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey is favourite to take over from Bloomfield at Oxford, with the club impressed by the 35-year-old.
The draw for the competition, which is open to clubs in League One and League Two as well as 16 Under-21 sides, has happened today (Tuesday, June 23).
The U’s have twice been runners up for the trophy and have now been drawn in Group A of the Southern Section alongside Cheltenham Town and Exeter City.
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The group will be completed on Thursday at 2:30pm, when the draw will take place live on Sky Sports, where one of eight Premier League Under-21 sides will be allocated.
Group stage fixtures will be confirmed in due course, with dates, kick-off times and ticket information to be announced as soon as they are finalised.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stages of the competition. with the group stage kicking off in September
This comes with Oxford United searching for a new manager after the dismissal of Matt Bloomfield on Saturday, June 20.
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He joined the club midway through the season and was unable to save them from the drop from The Championship.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is the favourite to take over as head coach, the Oxford Mail understands, with there being long-standing interest in the 35-year-old.
The appointment could be confirmed in the coming days.
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