Aaron Ramsey has been appointed as the new head coach of Oxford United, with the 35-year-old replacing Matt Bloomfield.
The former Arsenal and Wales midfielder takes his first full-time steps into management after a brief caretaker role at his hometown club, Cardiff.
Read More: Oxford United Turn the Page: How the Matt Bloomfield Dismissal Shapes the Season Ahead
Oxford United Appoint Aaron Ramsey as New Head Coach
Ramsey’s Career
The Welshman began his career at his hometown club, Cardiff, where he spent eight years before becoming the club’s youngest ever first-team player.
After just 28 appearances, including an FA Cup final, Ramsey was signed by Arsenal but he suffered a broken leg in a match away at Stoke.
The midfielder spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Cardiff before returning to the Emirates Stadium, where he would stay for ten seasons.
During his time in North London, Ramsey won the FA Cup three times and the Community Shield twice, and more success would come when he moved to Juventus in 2019.
Ramsey spent two full seasons in Turin, where he won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.
He joined Rangers on loan, where he won the Scottish Cup, before a season in the south of France with Nice.
From there, he returned as a player to his beloved Cardiff City, where he spent two more seasons. But for the final three games of the 2024/25 campaign, he spent a spell in the dugout as caretaker manager but was unable to help the Bluebirds avoid the drop from the Championship.
He then had a brief spell in Mexico before hanging up his boots in April.
As a player, he made 551 club appearances, with 369 of those coming during his long spell with Arsenal. He also turned out 86 times for Wales, scoring 21 goals.
What Was Said
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be appointed Head Coach of Oxford United.
“From my discussions with the Club, I can sense the ambition and desire for success, which gives me great excitement about this opportunity.
“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.”
Chairman, Dusan Bogdanovic, said: “From the moment we met with Aaron to discuss this opportunity, we knew his ambitions and desire to succeed matches those we have for the Club.
“The process was thorough and considered, reflecting the importance of this decision. We were determined to find a leader who can help shape this next stage of our development.
“Aaron impressed at every stage and we are confident he is the right person to take this Club forward.”
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Colorsport
