Sheffield United have confirmed the appointment of Phil Jones to Chris Wilder's coaching team at Bramall Lane. The 34-year-old former Manchester United defender had been part of Michael O'Neill's backroom staff at Blackburn Rovers during the final months of last season, helping the club secure their Championship status.
Jones confirmed his departure from Blackburn last week, with reports linking him to a role at Sheffield United. The Blades have now announced a shake-up of their coaching staff, which also sees the departures of long-serving Alan Knill and Guilherme Ramos. Micky Collins has been promoted to assistant manager.
Wilder expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions, stating: 'After stabilising last season, we are now looking to inject some fresh ideas into the group. Phil is a young coach who has played under some of the very best and is now forging his own pathway in coaching. He's coming in tasked with helping throughout the team and he's already gained some great experience coaching in the academy at Manchester United and with the first team at Blackburn last season.'
Blackburn Rovers are yet to confirm their full backroom staff for the upcoming season. Only Damien Johnson remains from the previous setup, with Ben Benson set to leave and Steven Davis returning to Northern Ireland duties alongside O'Neill. The club is also searching for a new Under-21 head coach following Gregory Vignal's exit.
