Ex-England star ‘excited’ by Aaron Ramsey’s Oxford United

Former Premier League star and Wales international Ramsey was appointed head coach at Oxford last month, taking over from Matt Bloomfield who was sacked three days prior.

It is the 35-year-old’s first permanent job as a head coach after he retired in April – he previously spent three matches in charge of boyhood club Cardiff City in 2025 as they were relegated to League One.

Ramsey is set to lead United’s return to the third tier after two seasons in the Championship, the club suffering relegation in the previous campaign as they finished 22nd in the table.

Premier League winner and second-highest appearance holder Barry has issued his support for his former rival.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

“It’s great to see a player with that hunger at the end of their career,” the former Aston Villa and Everton hero told Lyllo Casino.

“Aaron Ramsey is a massive name, and instead of waiting for a top job, he’s testing himself in League One. You can only learn from that experience.

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Aaron Ramsey takes his first training session as Oxford United head coach (Image: Oxford United)

“Oxford will have a good squad after coming down from the Championship.

“It’s a good role for him. We can’t judge his management until he’s experienced the pressure of the job, but I’m excited to see a young coach going in there.”

45-year-old Barry announced his retirement from professional football in 2020 after a career spanning 22 years and is 10 years older than the new Oxford boss.