Ex-Huddersfield Town, Blackburn & Sheffield Wednesday ace Jordan Rhodes makes new career move | OneFootball

Jordan Rhodes is an icon of the EFL, but he's got a new Non-League role now.

Jordan Rhodes may have only retired from professional football in September of last year, but it has not taken him long to secure his next meaningful career switch.

The 36-year-old was a staple of the EFL, having enjoyed spells with Blackburn Rovers, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday before calling it a day following his 2025 loan with Mansfield Town.

At times, the former striker was prolific and still ranks as the third-highest English goalscorer in the top four tiers since the start of the 2004-05 season with 220 goals, behind only Billy Sharp and Harry Kane.

While he may not be banging in goals on the pitch in his new role, he will not find himself too far from the action.

Jordan Rhodes becomes ambassador at Non-League club

Penistone Church FC, a Northern Counties East League Premier Division side, have announced that Rhodes has agreed to join the ninth-tier side as its new ambassador.

The former Huddersfield hitman lives locally to the club and even trained with them last year as he looks forward to a new position off the pitch.

He said: "I’m really pleased to be joining Penistone Church FC. Having already spent some time around the club, I know what a great setup it is, and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and help wherever I can."

Formed in 1906, the South Yorkshire club has deep roots in the local community and has progressed well through the local leagues; now, they hope that the arrival of such an esteemed name can lead to greater success.

David Elliott, Chair & Commercial Director of the club, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have someone like Jordan on board. His experience at the highest level of the game and his connections within football will be hugely valuable to us."

A look back at Rhodes' illustrious EFL career

Rhodes was a player who had to remain patient for his opportunity to shine, having got his initial taste of first-team action with Ipswich Town in 2007.

After a series of loans, most of which unsuccessful, it was his transfer to Huddersfield in 2009 that put his name on the map as one of the best finishers in the Football League.

The then-19-year-old took League One by storm under the stewardship of former Sunderland and Newcastle United player Lee Clark, bagging 19 league goals in his debut season for the club.

After amassing 87 goals for the Terriers in all competitions across a three-year stint, and guiding them to the Championship in the process, the forward secured a £8million move to Blackburn — a club-record deal.

At Ewood Park, Rhodes continued to live up to his label as a goal machine, netting 85 times in 169 appearances before finally reaching the Premier League with Middlesbrough in 2016, which was ultimately a step too far.

The Oldham-born frontman was never quite able to rediscover his mojo as he produced some modest returns with Sheffield Wednesday before eventually returning to the Terriers in 2021.

Rhodes has joined an influx of former players involved with Non-League clubs, including Jermain Defoe, Robbie Savage and Mark Hughes, and now all eyes will be on whether he can help catapult Penistone Church FC up the divisions.