Aaron Ramsey sat down in the Kassam Stadium dugout and declared himself ready — for his first permanent head coach role, for the expectations of a club relegated from the Championship, and for the challenge of building something from scratch.
The 35-year-old former Arsenal and Wales midfielder, who retired from playing only in April, was announced on Tuesday as the successor to Matt Bloomfield, sacked after Oxford United's relegation. At his first media conference since his appointment, Ramsey did not promise promotion. Instead, he spoke of instilling "everyday behaviours and habits" and creating "a platform from which I'm confident success will follow."
“Aaron Ramsey appointed Oxford United head coach, says he's ready for first permanent role after retiring in April.”
"I wouldn't be sat in this position if I didn't think I was ready," Ramsey told BBC Radio Oxford. "I've been planning for this now for the last few years. As soon as I started these conversations with the club, and I realised how ambitious they were and everything that's in place, I knew this was the right place for me."
That ambition is underpinned by a 19-year playing career that took in over 500 games — the bulk of them under Arsène Wenger at Arsenal, but also under Unai Emery, Andrea Pirlo and Maurizio Sarri. His international career brought 86 caps for Wales and exposure to managers including Chris Coleman, Gary Speed and current boss Craig Bellamy, who in 2024 tipped Ramsey to become a manager "at a high level."
Ramsey cited Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as a role model, but refused to name whose methods he will borrow now he is in charge. "I've been really lucky to have played under so many great managers who have all brought different attributes that I really liked, and I have taken little snippets here and there," he said. "I've been lucky to work in some of the most elite environments in football and been exposed to that. That gives me the confidence to go forward and lead and inspire this team."
His three-game interim spell at Cardiff City at the end of last season began with a 1-1 draw — against Oxford United. Now he takes over a side that dropped into League One. "I have a really clear way of playing, an identity that I want to create," he said. "But that is built on clear principles first, underpinned by elite habits and behaviours."
Ramsey wants the fans to feel it. "I really want the fans to be excited and to be proud every time they come and watch their team," he said. "I'm sure that they'll enjoy the way that I want to play."