Aaron Ramsey has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to become the next manager of Oxford United, just two months after hanging up his boots. The former Cardiff City and Arsenal midfielder is priced at 1/2 with BetVictor to take charge at the Kassam Stadium, putting him well ahead of the rest of the field as speculation swirls over who will be appointed by the club, who were relegated from the Championship last season.
Bloomfield Sacked After Relegation
The odds come after Oxfordshire club announced the sacking of head coach Matt Bloomfield over the weekend following relegation. Ramsey's odds make him a clear frontrunner, with former Oxford boss Karl Robinson next in the betting at 3/1. Former Swansea City boss Alan Sheehan is rated an 8/1 chance.
Ramsey's Managerial Ambitions
The links come at an intriguing time for Ramsey, who announced his retirement from playing in April after a glittering career with Cardiff City, Arsenal, Juventus, Rangers and Wales. The 35-year-old has long been open about his ambition to move into management. He completed his UEFA A Licence while still playing and took interim charge of Cardiff for the final three matches of the 2024/25 season following the departure of Omer Riza.
Although Ramsey was unable to prevent Cardiff's relegation to League One, his brief spell in charge offered a glimpse into his coaching ambitions. Those who have worked alongside him speak highly of his tactical understanding and leadership qualities.
Wales Connection
Only last month Ramsey hinted at the next stage of his career when he returned to the Wales camp at the FAW's Vale of Glamorgan headquarters. He has become increasingly involved in coaching circles around the national team and remains a close ally of Wales boss Craig Bellamy. Bellamy has previously revealed he regularly discusses tactics with Ramsey and has involved him in conversations around the senior national side.
The Oxford links are also likely to fuel debate in Wales given Ramsey's name has recently been mentioned as a potential future Wales manager. With Bellamy the subject of interest from Burnley, Ramsey is thought to be among the candidates discussed as a possible long-term successor should the Football Association of Wales need to replace the current national team boss.
First Permanent Role
Many within Welsh football view Ramsey as a future Wales manager, although there has been a feeling that any move into such a high-profile role would be more realistic later in his coaching journey. An appointment at Oxford would therefore represent a significant first permanent managerial position and offer the opportunity to build experience in the Championship.
The bookmakers certainly believe it is a possibility, with Ramsey considerably shorter than a host of experienced managers including Wayne Rooney (12/1), Steve Bruce (20/1), John Terry (20/1), Rob Edwards (20/1), Michael Appleton (25/1), Mark Hughes (33/1) and Chris Coleman (33/1).
Next Oxford United Manager Odds in Full
Aaron Ramsey 1/2, Karl Robinson 3/1, Alan Sheehan 8/1, Craig Short 10/1, Andy Woodman 10/1, Wayne Rooney 12/1, Dave Challinor 16/1, Mat Sadler 16/1, Richie Wellens 16/1, Steve Bruce 20/1, Alex Revell 20/1, John Terry 20/1, Rob Edwards 20/1, Luke Garrard 25/1, Mark Kennedy 25/1, Liam Manning 25/1, Dean Holden 25/1, Michael Appleton 25/1, Dean Brennan 25/1, Darren Ferguson 25/1, Darren Moore 25/1. (Courtesy of BetVictor. 18+)
