Phil Jones: Former Man United defender lands role at Blackburn Rovers

Former Manchester United player Phil Jones has taken a major step in his coaching career.

Manchester United career

The former Blackburn Rovers defender joined United in 2011 after impressing at Ewood Park.

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He played 229 games for the club and scored 6 goals in all competitions. He also made 27 appearances for the England national team during his career.

Jones also won Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League trophies during his time in Manchester. Despite this, he has been injured for much of his time at the club, especially in the past few years, and he only played 13 games between 2019 and 2023.

Career after retirement

Jones retired in 2023 and coached the Under-14s and Under-18s at United’s Carrington Training Centre.

He completed the Sports Director’s Diploma at the PFA Business School and has been working towards a UEFA Professional License to develop his coaching career.

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Advanced first steps

It was announced yesterday that Jones had the opportunity to work under Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, who recently took over at Blackburn Rovers.

TalkSPORT reports that “Phil Jones has returned to Blackburn as part of the coaching staff 15 years after leaving Ewood Park.”

They added, “The 33-year-old has been linked with new Rangers boss Michael O’Neill, who will also remain as Northern Ireland manager in a unique dual role until the end of the season.”

Jones came through Blackburn’s youth academy and made his debut for the club’s senior team in 2009.

He will also work with former Southampton and Aston Villa midfielder Steven Davis.

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Later this afternoon Rangers take on Queens Park Rangers in Jones’ first Championship appearance as first-team coach.

Blackburn have 15 games remaining this season and are in 22nd place, in the relegation zone.