Transfer chief details new Oxford United recruitment setup

Ramsey faced the media last Wednesday, after being announced as the U’s new head coach the night before, alongside Waldron and club CEO Tim Williams.

Former boss Matt Bloomfield had been sacked three days before ex-Arsenal man Ramsey was announced with the timing of the decision questioned by supporters.

The senior figures offered answers to fans’ and reporters’ burning questions and also referenced new chairman Bogdanovic for the first time following his appointment in May.

The new chair is a football agent and former professional player, most recently operating in Asia.

“Obviously, Dusan’s from a football background, so he knows the game, he knows how transfers work,” Waldron told the press.

“So he will have more of an insight possibly than what’s come before.

“I think when Scott joined, we were in the Championship, so we haven’t decided fully whether we’re going to replace him yet.

Oxford United midfielder Cameron Brannagan and former Spurs loanee Jamie Donley (Image: Jason Dawson)

“But ultimately, we’ve got a well-stocked recruitment department, some really talented people in there. And to be honest with you, the bulk of the work, in fact all of the work for this window is done. And it’s a case of executing the deals now, the scouting’s done, that’s in the past.

“So yeah, of course, Dusan will be involved, as every chairman is.”

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It is understood that the recruitment process will not change too much despite the departure of the head of recruitment, with Waldron continuing to drive recruitment once scouting and identification is completed.

If the club are to replace Mitchell, which is currently undecided, then it will likely not be until after the summer transfer window with a clear structure currently in place at the club.

Oxford United CEO Tim Williams (left), head coach Aaron Ramsey (centre) and head of football operations Ed Waldron (right) (Image: Newsquest)

Waldron said at the press conference that the U’s had received some bids for players since the end of last season, however only one contracted player has left the club so far this season in second-choice goalkeeper Matt Ingram.

He joined West Bromwich Albion in the Championship last week.

The head of football operations also stated that scouting and identification for the summer window is complete and now it is a case of getting deals done as Oxford look to strengthen on their return to League One.

The EFL confirmed fixtures for the 2026/27 season last week, with United facing newly-promoted MK Dons at home on the opening day.

The U’s first pre-season friendly will be on July 21 away at National League club Aldershot Town.