We check out the first words from Aaron Ramsey on being appointed as new head coach of Oxford United, after Matt Bloomfield’s departure.
The 35-year-old impressed the club’s higher-ups in an earlier meeting, according to Oxford Mail’s Malachi Obrey.
After Bloomfield was sacked, bookies had Dave Challinor as the favourite, before he dropped down the list and Karl Robinson soon made his way to the top.
Things moved quick with Oxford interviewing Aaron Ramsey and got the job…
Welcome, Aaron Ramsey!
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Aaron Ramsey as the Club’s new Men’s Team Head Coach.
— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) June 23, 2026
CLUB STATEMENT:
Oxford United are delighted to announce the appointment of Aaron Ramsey as the Club’s new Men’s Team Head Coach.
Ramsey is regarded as one of the most exciting emerging British coaches, who arrives with valuable experience having previously worked within the Wales Men’s National Team set-up and taken interim charge at Cardiff City.
Speaking after his appointment, Aaron Ramsey 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.”
One of his country’s greatest ever players, Ramsey enjoyed a distinguished career making more than 400 appearances for Arsenal and Juventus.
At international level, he earned 86 caps for Wales, representing his country at both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.
A graduate of the Academy at Cardiff City, he moved to Arsenal at the age of just 17-years-old where he scored in two FA Cup Final victories during an 11-year spell, as well as earning league and cup honours in Italy during his time with Juventus.
After spells in Scotland and France, he returned to Cardiff City, where he stepped into coaching and took charge of the first-team at the end of the 2024/25 season.
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.”
Head of Football Operations, Ed Waldron, commented: “We are delighted to appoint Aaron as Head Coach. He has the character and drive required for this role, as well as a clear identity as a coach and leader.
“Aaron’s passion and determination to succeed in this role is clear for all to see. His footballing ideas match those that we have for the Club and the squad, which makes this the right appointment at the right time.
“This is an important period for the Club, with pre-season set to begin and key work being done on the squad. We will continue to work closely with Aaron to ensure we are well prepared for the campaign ahead to give him and the Club the best chance of success.”
An announcement will be made on Aaron Ramsey’s coaching staff in due course.
Here’s how fans reacted following the first words from Aaron Ramsey on being appointed as new Oxford United head coach…
— Sam (@Sam_OUFC) June 23, 2026
@Pumpum4870: Fuck it I believe we gonna win the league
@bartonw30: Back the fuck out of him now. Aaron Ramseys Yellow Army!
@_callumfowler: So many clubs going down the unknown route. Felt like a tap in at playoffs minimum with Bloomfield, no idea now 🤔
@Stuartjamess: Behind him all the way, but he has to be backed and surrounded with the right people! Simple as that!
@liam_brett7: Hope he smashes it, go on Rambo!
@OUFC98: The more I’ve thought about it the more I’ve grown to like. Come on Ramsey’s Yellow Army! Back the gaffer and support him through a long term plan #OUFC #COYY 💛💙💪
@ConCowan9: Let’s have some further positivity now please board with serious transfer business let’s go piss this league #oufc
@Joe_Citrone: A new era. The more I’ve thought about it, the more positive I’ve become. But it’s still a roll of the dice, a shot in the dark, and such a brave (or stupid) time to make such a gamble. I look forward to him being backed with strong additions over the next few weeks. #oufc
@JYOUFC: Went from easily a top 6 side next season to now the complete unknown.. Not sure about this. #oufc
@ABrown31_v2: Henceforth we shall be “Aaron Ramsey’s Oxford United”. Like all top players who go into management, he’s obviously not got the job on merit, but some of them have the knack for it. Something a bit different to what we normally do. #oufc
@liamoufc2: We have no choice other than to back him now let’s just hope the club do the same. At least it didn’t take over a month to get a manager at least
@GeorgeDugdale: As a player, Aaron Ramsey gave me as much joy as anybody I’ve supported on a football pitch. This is all a bit surreal, but I’m so excited for Aaron and for us. Football management is hard and there will be bumps, but he will give it everything. #oufc
@DanielClarke9: Reset button has been pressed let’s see what happens. One thing the football can’t be any worse than what we’ve seen the last season and half. #oufc