Ex-Wales captain Aaron Ramsey gets first head coach role

Caerphilly’s Aaron Ramsey has been appointed head coach of League One club Oxford United.

It is his first permanent managerial role, having had an interim spell in the Cardiff City dugout in 2025.

Ramsey described his appointment as an “honour and privilege” and said: “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.”

The former Wales captain continued: “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.” 

Ramsey, who was born in Caerphilly and attended Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, is one of Wales’ greatest ever players – having starred in a golden era for Welsh football.

The midfielder earned 86 caps for his country, scoring 21 goals in an international career that saw him star as Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 – the first time Wales played at a major tournament since 1958.

He also played at Euro 2020, where Wales reached the knock-out phase, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

At club level, he played for Cardiff City, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Juventus, Nice, and Pumas UNAM, before announcing his retirement in April this year.

‘Clear identity’

Ramsey’s new club described him as “one of the most exciting emerging British coaches”.

Oxford United 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.

“Aaron impressed at every stage and we are confident he is the right person to take this club forward.”

Ed Waldron, head of football operations at Oxford, said Ramsey 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,” Waldron continued. “His footballing ideas match those that we have for the club and the squad, which makes this the right appointment at the right time.

Oxford United were relegated from the Championship last season after finishing 22nd.