Aaron Ramsey takes his first permanent manager's job at Oxford just months after retiring

Aaron Ramsey has moved into full-time management at Oxford United, the League One club confirmed, appointing the former Wales captain as head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season — just months after he hung up his boots in April.

The 35-year-old takes over from Matt Bloomfield, who was dismissed after Oxford were relegated from the Championship at the end of last season. Ramsey arrives with 86 international caps and a playing career that spanned Cardiff City, Arsenal, Juventus, and Rangers, though his managerial experience to date has been limited to coaching roles with the Welsh national team and a brief stint as interim manager at Cardiff.

“It’s an honour and privilege to be appointed head coach of Oxford,” Ramsey said in a statement on the club’s official website. “From my discussions with the club, I can sense the ambition and desire for success, which gives me great excitement about this opportunity.”

Ramsey credited his playing career — which included time under some of the sport’s most decorated coaches — as the foundation for his approach to management. He outlined a clear philosophy for his squad, built around “elite habits, with a commitment to improving every day” and a culture of “high standards, professionalism and work ethic.”

“I want a team that fights for the badge until the end, and one that makes our supporters proud,” he added.

During his playing days, Ramsey collected three FA Cups with Arsenal, a Serie A title and Coppa Italia with Juventus, and the Scottish Cup on loan at Rangers. Details of his coaching staff at Oxford are expected to follow in the coming days.