Aaron Ramsey has accepted a first full-time job in management, taking charge of Oxford United after their drop from the Championship to League One. The former Arsenal and Wales midfielder steps in as head coach as the club prepares for a rebuild next season.

Ramsey already has brief experience in the dugout, having led Cardiff City as caretaker for three matches at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Cardiff were relegated to League One despite that spell, meaning Ramsey will now work at the same level with Oxford.

Explaining the move, Ramsey underlined the conversations that persuaded a switch to 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,” Ramsey said. Oxford recently lost Championship status and are aiming for a quick response.

Ramsey arrives with extensive top-flight experience after 262 Premier League matches for Arsenal between 2008 and 2019. During that spell, Ramsey scored 40 league goals and produced 46 assists. The midfielder helped Arsenal win three FA Cups, then moved to Juventus, where further silverware followed in Italy.

Beyond Arsenal and Juventus, Ramsey also played for Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest, Rangers, Nice and Pumas UNAM. On the international stage, Ramsey was central to Wales’ run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, gaining experience in major tournament pressure that will now inform coaching methods.

Oxford United shared Ramsey’s first message as head coach through their official account.