Former Arsenal star appointed new Oxford United head coach

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.

Former Oxford United head coach Matt Bloomfield (Image: Jason Dawson)

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.

Ex-Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey is the new Oxford United boss (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

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.”

Oxford United were relegated from The Championship last season (Image: Jason Dawson)

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