Phil Jones Becomes Coach at Blackburn Rovers

Phil Jones, who used to play for Manchester United, has started a new job as a coach at Blackburn Rovers. This is the club where he first played as a young player. He will help the team with new manager Michael O'Neill.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

A notable shift in the career trajectory of former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has occurred, with his appointment as a first-team coach at Blackburn Rovers. This move marks a significant return to his youth club, a place where his playing career initially took shape. The appointment comes as newly named Blackburn manager Michael O'Neill assembles his backroom staff, a development that has drawn attention within the football community.

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A New Chapter at Ewood Park

Phil Jones, who spent over a decade at Manchester United after joining them from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, has officially taken on a coaching role at Blackburn Rovers. This appointment sees him rejoining the club where he began his career as an academy graduate. The exact terms of his role and duration were not fully detailed in all reports, but it is described as a first senior coaching job for the former England international.

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  • Jones concluded his tenure at Manchester United at the end of the summer, following an injury-plagued period.

  • His last competitive match for Manchester United was in May 2022.

  • The move to Blackburn signifies a new direction for Jones, though he has previously indicated a desire to keep his playing career options open.

O'Neill's Strategic Staffing

The arrival of Michael O'Neill as the new Blackburn Rovers manager appears to be a key factor in Phil Jones's decision to join the coaching staff. O'Neill, who also continues in his role as the manager of the Northern Ireland national team, is described as having persuaded Jones to join him at Ewood Park.

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  • O'Neill's appointment at Blackburn is on an initial short-term basis.

  • He is set to combine his duties with the Northern Ireland national team, an arrangement agreed upon with the Irish FA.

  • The reports suggest O'Neill views Jones's addition as a significant acquisition, described as a "coup."

A Familiar Environment for Jones

Blackburn Rovers holds a significant place in Phil Jones's footballing history. He rose through the youth ranks at the club before making a high-profile transfer to Manchester United in 2011. His return to the club, albeit in a coaching capacity, places him back in a familiar environment where his journey as a professional footballer began.

  • Jones made 229 appearances for Manchester United, scoring six goals.

  • He was part of the Manchester United squad that won the Premier League.

  • He has also been observed working with younger age groups at Manchester United as part of his coaching development.

Exploring Coaching Development

This coaching role at Blackburn appears to be a deliberate step in Phil Jones's transition from playing. Reports indicate he has been working towards his coaching badges and has also embarked on a sporting director course, signaling a broad interest in the off-field aspects of football management.

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  • Jones's recent activities have included observing Manchester United's youth teams.

  • He has expressed enthusiasm for his "new journey" in football.

Associated Appointments

Phil Jones is not the only high-profile figure joining Michael O'Neill's backroom staff at Blackburn Rovers. Steven Davis, a former Rangers stalwart and Northern Ireland teammate, is also reported to be joining the coaching setup. This collective of experienced individuals is expected to bring significant knowledge and passion to the team.

  • Steven Davis is noted as the all-time appearance maker for Northern Ireland.

  • The reports suggest this duo, alongside O'Neill, aims to bring a blend of experience, freshness, passion, and on-field knowledge to Blackburn.

  • Damien Johnson is confirmed to continue in his existing roles as first-team technical coach and head of player development.

Background and Previous Career

Phil Jones's career at Manchester United was marked by both promise and persistent injury concerns. Despite his talent, his time at Old Trafford was often disrupted by physical issues, limiting his overall game time in his later seasons. His transition to coaching is seen by some as a way to leverage his extensive playing experience in a new capacity.

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  • Jones's final competitive appearance for Manchester United was against Brentford in May 2022.

  • He represented England 27 times.

  • During his tenure at Manchester United, he worked under managers including Sir Alex Ferguson.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Phil Jones doing now?
Phil Jones has become a coach at Blackburn Rovers. He will help the team's manager, Michael O'Neill.
Q: Why is this return special?
Blackburn Rovers is the club where Phil Jones started his football career when he was young.
Q: Who is the new manager at Blackburn Rovers?
The new manager is Michael O'Neill. He also manages the Northern Ireland national team.
Q: Is Steven Davis also joining?
Yes, Steven Davis, another former Northern Ireland player, is also joining the coaching staff.