Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has left his coaching position at Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
After starting his career in Lancashire 17 years ago, Jones returned to Ewood Park earlier this year as part of Michael O’Neill’s coaching staff.
But after O’Neill opted against becoming Rovers’ permanent head coach, instead committing his future to the Northern Ireland senior side, Jones has also left Blackburn.
However, Rovers’ club statement appears to hint that the one-time Premier League winner won’t have to wait long for his next opportunity in coaching.
Last Sunday, Alan Nixon reported that Championship rivals Sheffield United are looking at the 34-year-old to join their first-team setup. The Blades endured a nightmare start to last season, turning to Chris Wilder to steer them to a mid-table finish in the second tier. But with Wilder’s longtime assistant Alan Knill set to leave Bramall Lane this summer, United will be looking for a shakeup in their coaching department. That could present another opportunity for Jones in the early stages of his coaching career.
Jones was a well-known face in the Premier League throughout 14 years of playing top-flight football in this country, 12 of which came at Manchester United. The Preston-born centre-half came through the ranks in nearby Blackburn, making his senior debut in the League Cup in 2009. Rovers moved swiftly to tie down the young defender, penning a five-year deal with a substantial release clause. He ended the campaign with nine Premier League appearances before becoming a regular feature the following year, despite suffering a serious injury midway through the 2010/11 season.
As such, interest was high in Jones, with Manchester United winning the race for his services early in the summer of 2011. His first appearance for the Red Devils ended with a trophy, completing a comeback victory with his introduction in the 2011 Community Shield against rivals Manchester City. Over the next few campaigns, he became a strong part of United’s backline, helping win a record-breaking 20th top-flight title in 2013. The 27-cap England international retired from the game in 2024, immediately moving into coaching at Old Trafford.
What Does The Future Hold For Blackburn?
The two above-mentioned Championship teams met in April in a game that secured Blackburn’s place in the Championship next season. It was a result that perhaps summed up the Blades’ campaign, as they endured a torrid opening period with Rovers racing into a three-goal lead. While Sheffield United improved after the break, Blackburn held on to retain their second-tier status with two games to spare.
After the setback of O’Neill not signing a permanent deal at Ewood Park, Rovers moved to secure the services of experienced head coach Tony Mowbray last week. The 62-year-old has spent over two decades in senior management, leading the likes of Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Birmingham City. He was most recently in charge of West Bromwich Albion last year, while his longest spell in management came during his first spell at Blackburn, winning an immediate promotion back to the Championship.
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