Phil Jones Makes Coaching Debut at Blackburn Rovers in Surprise Return
Former Manchester United and England defender Phil Jones has embarked on his first senior coaching role, marking a significant career transition by rejoining Blackburn Rovers. The Championship club confirmed his appointment as part of a revamped coaching team under new head coach Michael O'Neill, who will juggle this position with his ongoing role as Northern Ireland's national team manager.
Managerial Search Culminates in O'Neill Appointment
Blackburn Rovers initiated a search for a new boss earlier this month after parting ways with Valerien Ismael, following a dismal eight-game winless streak that has left the club languishing in the relegation zone. Goal difference currently keeps them in the bottom three of the Championship table, intensifying the urgency for a turnaround.
After extensive speculation, the club announced on Friday that Michael O'Neill would take the helm at Ewood Park on a contract running until the season's end. This decision came after talks with Gary Rowett, the former Millwall and Oxford United manager, who was initially favoured for the vacancy. Rowett, unattached since his dismissal from Oxford in December, has a strong Championship track record, including play-off challenges and survival successes, and reportedly retains interest from other clubs in the division.
Jones's Coaching Journey Begins at Former Club
Phil Jones, who retired from professional football in August 2024 after a career highlighted by over 200 appearances for Manchester United and victories in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League, has long expressed a desire to move into coaching. Following his retirement, he gained experience working with youth teams at Old Trafford before this opportunity arose.
At 33 years old, Jones returns to Blackburn Rovers, where he originally came through the academy, joining a support team that includes Steve Davis and Damien Johnson. Johnson will oversee the upcoming match against Queens Park Rangers, providing continuity during the transition. This role represents a full-circle moment for Jones, leveraging his playing expertise to aid a club fighting relegation.
The appointment underscores Blackburn's strategic shift under O'Neill, aiming to stabilise their Championship status and build a cohesive coaching unit. With Jones's insider knowledge and O'Neill's dual-role experience, the club hopes to navigate the challenges ahead and secure their place in the division.
