Aaron Ramsey is beginning to make his mark in management after guiding Oxford United to third in League One following a 1-0 victory over Stockport County. Just four months after his appointment, the former Arsenal and Wales midfielder has overseen an eight-match unbeaten run.
Mark Harris scored the winner in the 35th minute at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday evening, finishing a move that began with goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and ended with Siriki Dembélé delivering the decisive cross.
The victory moved Oxford to within a point of second-placed Stockport, who missed the opportunity to go top of the table.
Ramsey was delighted with his team’s performance, particularly their willingness to take responsibility in possession and play through Stockport’s pressing.
Speaking to Oxford United’s official media channel after the match, he praised the approach his players had taken.
“It was a high quality game. Super proud of my players tonight. The courage that they showed to play, to be patient on the ball.
“Jamie, picking the opportunities to encourage the press and then to play around that, it’s moments like that that we need. Ultimately, then you create the overloads elsewhere and then we can progress up the pitch and be really dangerous on their moments. We did that on numerous occasions tonight.
“It’s just about showing courage, and my players did that tonight.”
The 35-year-old also highlighted his side’s movement, passing and ability to create space against opponents who pressed aggressively.
From Arsenal Midfielder to Promising Young Manager
Ramsey was appointed Oxford head coach in June, shortly after the club’s relegation from the Championship. His only previous senior managerial experience was a brief interim spell at Cardiff City in 2025.
As a player, Ramsey enjoyed a distinguished career, winning three FA Cups with Arsenal and a Serie A title with Juventus. He also earned 86 Wales caps and helped his country reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
But the early months of his managerial career are now providing an opportunity to establish a reputation beyond his achievements on the pitch. Ramsey has spoken about developing a clear identity at Oxford, with his players encouraged to be brave in possession while maintaining high standards defensively.
Following Tuesday’s victory, he explained how those principles were becoming established within the squad.
“Everything out of possession, I can’t speak highly enough of them. That’s ingrained in them. That’s their habits now. That’s our identity, and that gives us the platform to go on and be able to get the ball and to control games and to be really dangerous with it.
We had a really good evening tonight where we created really high quality chances throughout the whole 90 minutes.”
Oxford’s winning goal offered an example of that approach, with the team building patiently from the back before finding space behind Stockport’s defence. He also praised his players’ passing and movement, describing aspects of their performance as a pleasure to watch.
Oxford’s Unbeaten Run Raises Promotion Hopes
Tuesday’s victory extended Oxford’s unbeaten league sequence to eight matches and brought their recent three-game home run to a close with seven points. Ramsey’s side also recorded two clean sheets during that spell.
Stockport threatened an equaliser late on, but Oxford held firm to secure a result that strengthened their position among the promotion contenders.
The Yellows now travel to Barnsley on Saturday, with Ramsey looking to carry their momentum into another important League One fixture. Having taken charge of a club adjusting to relegation, Ramsey has quickly established a foundation for the rest of the season.
With Oxford sitting third and showing signs of adapting to his preferred style of play, Ramsey’s progress in the dugout is becoming a story worth following.
