Former England defender Phil Jones has taken on his first senior coaching job since deciding to end his playing career at Manchester United in the summer of 2024.
Phil Jones returns to Blackburn Rovers as first-team coach (Image: Matt McNulty)
Phil Jones has been announced as part of Blackburn Rovers’ new coaching team, after the Championship side appointed Michael O’Neill as head coach on a contract until the end of the season.
Rovers have been looking for a new manager after parting ways with Valerian Ismael earlier this month following a dismal eight-game winless run. The club currently occupy the final relegation zone in the Championship standings, and currently sit in the bottom three on goal difference.
After much speculation, it was confirmed on Friday that Northern Ireland national team head coach Mr O’Neill will replace Ismael at Ewood Park.
And Blackburn academy product Jones is part of O’Neill’s new support team, which also includes Steve Davis and Damian Johnson, with the latter set to feature in Saturday’s match against Queens Park Rangers.
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The 33-year-old former Manchester United defender will retire in August 2024. The role is his first foray into senior coaching since the end of his playing career with the Red Devils, where he made over 200 appearances and won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
He expressed a desire to take up a coaching job after retiring, and did some work with Old Trafford’s youth teams before that.
Mr Blackburn’s move for Mr O’Neill, who will remain head coach of Northern Ireland and balance both roles, was made following talks with former Millwall and Oxford United manager Gary Rowett.
Rowett quickly emerged as a candidate for the vacant vacancy at Ewood Park, but became an independent after being released by Oxford in December.
The 51-year-old has done an excellent job at Championship level, overseeing a number of play-off challenges at Millwall and helping Oxford retain their place in the division last year.
It is understood that Rowett has further interest in his services in the Championship.
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