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.