Experienced defender Frankie Kent joins Oxford United with 13 years of league football behind him, and more than 400 appearances across Colchester United, Peterborough United and recently in Scotland with Heart of Midlothian.

The 30-year-old is a commanding and physical centre-back who proved himself as a League One pedigree when he won promotion with Peterborough in 2021.

READ MORE: Oxford United to play Leyton Orient in Carabao Cup

Meanwhile last season, Kent helped Hearts secure a second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership.

Speaking about joining United, he said: “This is a very exciting move for me to be joining a club with a clear ambition for success. 

Kent celebrating scoring for Heart of Midlothian during the William Hill Premiership match at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh. (Image: Andrew Milligan)

“I’ve had very positive conversations with people at the club, and I am confident I can use my experience to drive standards, not just on the pitch but off it as well.

“I understand the demands of this league, and I return to England a much better player and leader following three fantastic years in Scotland.

“I’ve come here to help push this club forward, and I’ll do everything I can every day to help us improve and achieve our ambitions.”

Newly appointed head coach Aaron Ramsey said he’s ‘delighted’ with the first signing under his leadership.

READ MORE: Ex-Arsenal Ramsey and Wilshere to battle in League One

Mr Ramsey said: “I had very positive conversations with the club before arriving about the business we wanted to complete this summer, and I’m delighted we’ve moved quickly to bring in a player of Frankie’s quality and character.

Aaron Ramsey said he’s ‘delighted’ with the first signing under his recent appointment as head coach (Image: Oxford United)

“As a player, Frankie is a dominant, aggressive defender who is comfortable in possession, and his profile fits exactly how we want this team to play. 

“As importantly, Frankie embodies the values we want to hold throughout the football club.

“He’s someone who will raise the standards and push to help create the elite environment we strive for. 

“As a first signing, it’s a real statement for us. We’re bringing in someone who can make an immediate impact both on the pitch and within the group.”

Head of football operations Ed Waldron last week said himself, the new head coach and the club are ‘aligned on what we think the squad needs’, saying they’re ready to ‘get deals done’.

Following the signing announcement, Mr Waldron added: “Frankie is a player we’ve admired for a long time, dating back to his time at Colchester when he regularly came up against Oxford United.

“Scotland is a market we monitor closely and, throughout his time at Hearts, Frankie has consistently been one of the league’s standout defenders.

READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey targets reunion with former Arsenal defender at Oxford

“Our recruitment process combines detailed data analysis with extensive live scouting, and Frankie stood out in every aspect.

“Equally importantly, our background work highlighted the qualities he brings away from the pitch.

“He’s a strong personality, a natural leader and exactly the type of character we want in the building, so we’re delighted to welcome him to Oxford United.”

The 35-year-old replaces Matt Bloomfield, who was sacked after the club lost their Sky Bet Championship status at the end of last season.

In his playing career, Ramsey won 86 caps for his country during a playing career which included spells with Cardiff, Arsenal, Juventus and Rangers.

He has also already cut his teeth in coaching with his national team as well as a spell in interim charge of the Bluebirds.

READ MORE: Oxford United to play Leyton Orient in Carabao Cup first round

Aaron Ramsey has been appointed the new Oxford United manager. (Image: Oxford United)

Now, it is being reported that there could be an Arsenal reunion in Oxford for Ramsey with his former teammate, Carl Jenkinson.

The right-back was at fellow EFL League One side Bromley for the past two years, helping the club achieve promotion last campaign.

It was announced last month that Jenkinson would leave the team following the expiration of his contract, and now he could be on the move to Oxfordshire.

Greek sports journalist Dimitris Manakos posted on X: “Aaron Ramsey is targeting a reunion with former Arsenal teammate Carl Jenkinson at Oxford United!

READ MORE: When Brazil legend and World Cup winner Pele held an Oxford United shirt

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Aaron Ramsey is targeting a reunion with former Arsenal teammate Carl Jenkinson at Oxford United! 🟡🔵

Jenkinson is set to leave Bromley, the pair have stayed in touch over the years, and the experienced full-back is a player Ramsey is keen on as he begins his… pic.twitter.com/WDTlFtDmfu

— Dimitris Manakos (@dimitrismanakos) June 25, 2026

“Jenkinson is set to leave Bromley, the pair have stayed in touch over the years, and the experienced full-back is a player Ramsey is keen on as he begins his reign at Oxford.

“A deal is considered a real possibility, with Jenkinson’s leadership and experience seen as valuable additions.”

Jenkinson made 70 first-team appearances for Arsenal in all competitions between 2011 and 2019, scoring one Premier League goal.

The pair of players shared a dressing room together for eight years until both stars departed the Emirates Stadium in 2019.

READ MORE: When England and Euros hero Paul Gascoigne wore an Oxford United shirt

Carl Jenkinson in action for Arsenal. (Image: PA)

Alongside Arsenal and Charlton, Jenkinson has also played for Welling United, Eastbourne Borough, West Ham United, Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest.

Then came a move over to Australia with spells at both Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets before the 34-year-old returned to the UK with Bromley.

Following the official announcement as the new manager, Ramsey said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be appointed head coach of Oxford.

“From my discussions with the club, I can sense the ambition and desire for success, which gives me great excitement about this opportunity.

READ MORE: Manchester City star spotted at Cotswolds hotel

Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has been rumoured with a move to Oxford United.

“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.

“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.”

United will travel to Orient for the first competitive fixture of the season, which will be the first of at least three meetings against the fellow League One side.

The game will take place on the weekend of Saturday, August 8, with full details, including timings and tickets, to be announced in due course, says the club.

It follows the launch of the League One fixtures earlier this week, where Oxford United will play MK Dons at home in the first game of the campaign.

READ MORE: When Brazil legend and World Cup winner Pele held an Oxford United shirt

The U’s return to the third tier next season after suffering relegation from the Championship last term.

Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was appointed as Oxford’s new head coach this week, replacing Bloomfield, who was sacked earlier this month.

Competitive action begins on the weekend of August 7 in the Carabao Cup, with the first-round draw set for Thursday evening.

READ MORE: When England and Euros hero Paul Gascoigne wore an Oxford United shirt

After two years in the second tier, the Yellows are looking to bounce back quickly under their new boss and will begin the new season at home against newly-promoted MK Dons on Saturday, August 15.

Oxford faced the Dons in the FA Cup third round last season when United were in the Championship, and their opponents were still in League Two, Oxford winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Stadium MK.

The opening-day clash has been selected for TV coverage on Sky Sports+ and will be an early kick-off at 12:30pm.