Oxford united FC
Oxford United to kick off pre-season with Aldershot clash
The trip to Aldershot marks United’s opening friendly of the summer schedule, giving Aaron Ramsey his first chance to see his squad in match action since returning from a warm-weather training camp in Spain.
It also offers an opportunity for players and staff to build on the connections Ramsey has stressed will be “really important” on and off the pitch going into the new campaign.
Ramsey, who replaced Matt Bloomfield almost a month ago, has spent the week in Spain embedding his ideas and forging relationships with his new dressing room.
He has spoken of using this period to strengthen links between staff, players and supporters, describing pre-season as a “great opportunity” to lay foundations for the season ahead.
Tonight’s match will also give Oxford fans an early look at Ramsey’s reshaped backroom staff, led by assistant head coach Chris Gunter, the former Wales international right-back.
Gunter is joined by Tom Hutton, previously Cardiff City Under-18s lead coach, as the pair assist Ramsey in navigating a challenging start to his tenure.
Despite the fresh energy around the club, Oxford’s pre-season has already been tested by off-field issues and injury setbacks.
The U’s have been hit with a transfer embargo after failing to meet League One’s Salary Cost Management Protocol, although the club insists it will be in a strong position by the time the January window opens.
On the pitch, Ramsey is already without his sole summer signing, former Hearts defender Frankie Kent, who suffered a serious knee injury in training just weeks after arriving.
Kent, 30, has undergone surgery on an ACL injury and is expected to miss most of the season, with Ramsey admitting he is “gutted” by the setback as the club wish the centre-back a full and speedy recovery.
All the action live as Oxford United travel to Aldershot Town for their first pre-season friendly under Aaron Ramsey ahead of the 2026/27 League One season.
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All the action live as Oxford United travel to Aldershot Town for their first pre-season friendly under Aaron Ramsey ahead of the 2026/27 League One season.
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His family released a statement today (Monday, July 20) announcing the former football player and manager’s death.
It follows the announcement earlier this year that the former England star had been diagnosed with cancer.
It said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
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“Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
“A double Ballon D’or winner, Kevin was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
“The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.
“This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”
During his playing career – from 1968 to 1985 – he was a forward for Liverpool, Southampton and Newcastle United, as well as German club Hamburg.
He won multiple First Division titles, an FA Cup and European Cup.
He was capped 63 times for England and would go to manage The Three Lions between 1999 and 2000, going out in the group stage of Euro 2000.
He also managed Manchester City and, most famously, Newcastle United across two spells: between 1992 and 1997 and in 2008.
Oxford United reportedly played a key part in Mr Keegan’s appointment when they hammered Newcastle 5-2 at the Manor Ground in Oxford in 1992.
The two clubs were fighting at the bottom of the old Division Two (the equivalent of The Championship) as English football sat on the precipice of the Premier League era.
Following the match Kevin Keegan was appointed to save Newcastle, with both teams eventually avoiding the drop.
The next season, Newcastle would win the division and promotion to the newly-established Premier League.
This would eventually lead to the infamous title race between Newcastle and Manchester United during the 1995-96 season, which would eventually be won by Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.
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During a post-match interview that season, a visibly angry Mr Keegan would directly call out the Scot over a dispute.
His quote – “I would love it if we beat them! Love it!” – was named ‘Quote of the Decade’ in the Premier League 10 Seasons Awards.
Following his last managerial appointment, he appeared as a television pundit on ITV and ESPN.
He also appeared at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium for a special “An Evening With Kevin Keegan” event, bringing his career story to Oxford fans.
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