In his absence Sunderland had dismissed Reid and his replacement Howard Wilkinson and were now under the stewardship of Mick McCarthy.
On 24 January 2004 Ramsden came on as an 89th-minute substitute for Darren Williams in the club's FA Cup victory over Ipswich Town, this was his first and only first team appearance for Sunderland.
Ramsden soon lost his regular centre half place when Terrell Forbes was signed from Queens Park Rangers.
He was named as the club captain at the start of the 2010–11 campaign,[11] but featured in only 2 league games due to injuries.
In the 2011–12 season he regained fitness and took part in a behind closed doors friendly in November against Tranmere Rovers, marking his return to action.
[14] Ramsden trained with Scottish Premier League team Motherwell on trial after turning down a contract offer from Bradford.
[21] Ramsden attended Robertswood County Combined Primary School in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire.