Aaron Ramsey could soon move into full-time management after hanging up his boots, with the former Wales star installed as the odds-on favourite to take over at Oxford United. The 35-year-old, who ended his playing career earlier this year, would be reunited with two of his international teammates if he gets the job.
Ramsey's Path to Management
Ramsey got his first taste of management at the end of the 2024/25 season when he had a spell in caretaker charge at Cardiff City. Now, having officially ended his playing career, the former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder is the leading candidate for the vacancy at Oxford after Matt Bloomfield was dismissed following relegation from the Championship.
Karl Robinson, who was previously in charge between 2018 and 2023, is the second favourite for the role.
Reunion with Wales Teammates
If Ramsey takes the reins, two Welsh players would immediately come under his charge. Will Vaulks and Mark Harris were both involved for Oxford last season as they suffered relegation, and neither is expected to move on. Harris signed a new deal in the summer of 2025, keeping him with the Us for an unspecified amount of time. Neither he nor Vaulks - whose current deal is believed to expire this summer - were named on the club's list of players leaving this summer.
Vaulks and Ramsey were only on the pitch together once, both coming off the bench during a Euro 2020 qualifier away to Azerbaijan in November 2019. Harris shared a pitch with Ramsey on two occasions: first when he replaced goalscorer Kieffer Moore in a 2021 win in Estonia, and again three years later against Montenegro.
Bloomfield's Exit
Matt Bloomfield was appointed in January 2026 and oversaw the second half of the 2025/26 season, a campaign which ultimately ended in relegation to League One. "Throughout his tenure, he represented Oxford United with professionalism and integrity," a club statement confirming his exit read.
Ramsey's Retirement
Following his caretaker spell at Cardiff in 2025, Ramsey embarked on what would end up being one final ill-fated stint as a player with Mexican side Pumas. He confirmed his retirement with immediate effect in April. "Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it," he said after making what he admitted was a difficult decision to retire. "It would not have been possible without the incredible input of all the managers I have played under and all the staff who have helped me in many ways."
He also thanked the fans: "To the Red Wall. You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success. I can't thank you enough."
Ramsey hung up his boots with more than 500 senior club appearances, 86 caps and 21 goals for the Welsh national team.
