New Phil Jones update emerges amid Sheffield United interest | OneFootball

Phil Jones will not be continuing as a coach at Blackburn Rovers, and he may be moving to Sheffield United

Phil Jones' first senior role in coaching is set to come to an end, following the reshuffle of the backroom staff at Blackburn Rovers.

The 34-year-old began his playing career at Ewood Park, playing 40 times over a couple of seasons before making the move to Manchester United, where he remained until he retired back in 2023 due to a knee injury.

Jones immediately began his coaching career afterwards, transitioning to the academy at Carrington to work with the under-18s, but recently, he's been involved in the setup back at Blackburn.

Following Valerien Ismael's sacking in February, Jones spoke about his desire to manage back at Blackburn, but did admit that he had a long way to go in his dugout career before he could be entrusted with such a role.

Instead, he would return to Ewood Park as part of Michael O'Neill's coaching staff during the Northern Irishman's brief time at the club as interim boss. But, with O'Neill returning to his post with the Northern Ireland national team, Jones has left, too, but it may not be long until he is back coaching elsewhere in the Championship.

Phil Jones confirms Blackburn exit as Sheffield United swoop

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Sheffield United are also looking to reshuffle their coaching staff this summer, after long-time assistant to Chris Wilder, Alan Knill, was announced to be leaving Bramall Lane.

In the wake of that announcement, it was reported by journalist Alan Nixon that the Blades had their sights on adding Jones to their backroom staff, with his own future uncertain at Ewood Park following the return of Tony Mowbray.

On Wednesday night, the former centre-back confirmed that his future lay away from Blackburn, penning a farewell on his Instagram.

"As my time at Blackburn Rovers comes to an end, I'd just like to say thank you," he said.

"Returning to Blackburn was something I'd always hoped I'd get the chance to do, so I'm grateful it became a reality. I've loved being back at the club and have enjoyed every moment.

"A huge thank you to Michael O'Neill for the opportunity to be part of his coaching staff and for bringing me back to where it all started. Thank you to the players, staff and supporters for making my time here so enjoyable.

"Wishing everyone at the club nothing but success in the future."

While Jones himself didn't indicate whether the parting of ways was due to the club going a separate direction under Tony Mowbray or if it was a personal decision to move elsewhere, Blackburn has since confirmed it to be the latter, stating that he has decided to "pursue another opportunity away from Ewood Park."

All roads now seem to point towards the former England international making a switch to Sheffield United to help aid Chris Wilder as the Blades attempt to re-establish themselves as promotion contenders next season after their 13th-placed finish last term.

The door is now open for Sheffield United to bring Phil Jones into the coaching staff

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It was reported by the Sheffield Star that the higher-ups at Bramall Lane decided to let Alan Knill depart to open the door for younger coaches to undertake increased roles and responsibilities at the club.

Jones, at 34, will no doubt fit that bill, and perhaps add a sense of freshness to the Sheffield United dugout next season, even if it is in the place of someone that Chris Wilder trusts and is highly respected at the club.

The former centre-back spoke in great depth back in February when he rejoined Blackburn about his love for getting stuck into sessions and being involved in the tactical side of the game following a career plagued by injuries.

So, it seems that Sheffield United may be getting themselves a young, hungry, hands-on coach who could help progress the club to the next level and perhaps put himself into contention to take on the first team role either at Bramall Lane or elsewhere.