Sheffield United backed to bring in ex-Man Utd man to replace Chris Wilder favourite | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his view on reports that Blackburn Rovers coach Phil Jones could be set to join the club's backroom staff.

It is set to be a busy summer at Sheffield United after a disappointing season in the Championship.

Sheffield United finished 13th in the table last season after a turbulent campaign, 12 points adrift of the play-offs, and manager Chris Wilder warned in April that there would be "a lot of changes" at Bramall Lane this summer.

However, while there is likely to be an overhaul of the playing squad, it seems that there will also be a reshuffle of the Blades' backroom team, with reports emerging last week that Wilder's long-time assistant Alan Knill is set to depart, along with first-team coach Guilherme Ramos.

There have been conflicting reports about who made the call to relieve Knill of his duties, but The Star claim that United's ownership were behind the decision, which is said to have "come as a shock" to the 61-year-old.

While Knill's exit has not yet officially been confirmed, it appears the Blades are wasting no time in searching for his replacement, with journalist Alan Nixon reporting on Sunday that Blackburn Rovers coach Phil Jones is under consideration as a possible addition to Wilder's staff.

Jones has been working with Rovers since February, but his future at Ewood Park is uncertain following Tony Mowbray's return as head coach, and the Lancashire outfit would reportedly allow the 34-year-old to move on if United come calling.

Fan verdict issued as Sheffield United plot Phil Jones, Blackburn Rovers raid

When asked for his thoughts on the potential arrival of Jones, FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from the YouTube channel Blades Ramble, admitted that he knows little about his coaching ability, but he insisted that he has full confidence in Wilder to make the right appointments.

"I know nothing about Phil Jones as a coach," Jimmy told FLW.

"I know he's played at the highest level.

"Sheffield United fans distinctly remember the last time we played against Phil Jones because Lys Mousset went shoulder to shoulder with him and put him on his backside.

"A lot of Sheffield United fans joked that that was the end of his playing career.

"He comes with an okay reputation, but he hasn't been coaching long at all, so he's really an unknown quantity.

"Time will tell whether he would be a good appointment or not.

"It's very difficult to gauge backroom appointments because the fans have no opportunity to see what kind of an impact they have off the field.

"I have to trust the manager's judgement, so if he thinks he's a good addition to his coaching staff, then I'm all for it."

Phil Jones arrival would raise fresh Chris Wilder, Sheffield United questions

With multiple reports suggesting that Sheffield United's owners made the decision to part company with Knill, it remains to be seen how much influence Wilder will have on any potential additions to his coaching staff.

After hanging up his boots, Jones spent time working in the Manchester United academy prior to joining Blackburn in February, so he is clearly a highly-rated coach, and he could help to bring some fresh ideas to Bramall Lane after the Blades' underwhelming season.

However, there is no known link between Jones and Wilder, which would suggest that his appointment would be driven by the hierarchy, and that could cast doubt over the future of the United boss, who is already likely to be frustrated at losing his right-hand man Knill after more than 12 years working together.