Former Manchester United player Phil Jones has officially transitioned into a coaching role, marking a new phase in his long-standing football journey. After a decorated playing career, primarily with Manchester United, Jones has now joined Blackburn Rovers' coaching staff, returning to the club where he began his professional career. This move signifies his commitment to developing a career in football management and brings his extensive experience to a new generation of players.
Phil Jones's playing career at Manchester United spanned from 2011, following his impressive performances at Blackburn Rovers. During his tenure at Old Trafford, he participated in 229 matches across all competitions, netting six goals. He was also a regular fixture for the England national team, earning 27 caps. His time with the Red Devils was marked by considerable success, including winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and the Europa League. However, the latter part of his career was significantly impacted by persistent injuries, limiting his appearances to just 13 games between 2019 and 2023.
Following his retirement from professional play in 2023, Jones immediately immersed himself in coaching. He gained valuable experience working with Manchester United's under-14 and under-18 teams at the Carrington training facility. In parallel, he furthered his academic qualifications, successfully completing a Diploma in Sport Directorship through the PFA Business School. His dedication to coaching development is also evidenced by his ongoing pursuit of a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification available in Europe.
A pivotal announcement confirmed that Jones has now taken a significant step into senior coaching, reuniting with Michael O'Neill, the Northern Ireland manager who recently took the helm at Blackburn Rovers. This appointment sees Jones return to his roots at Ewood Park, 15 years after his departure as a player. O'Neill is set to maintain a dual role, managing both Blackburn and the Northern Ireland national team until the conclusion of the current season. Jones will also collaborate with former Southampton and Aston Villa midfielder Steven Davis in his new capacity.
The Rovers are currently in a challenging position, sitting in the relegation zone at 22nd place in the Championship, with 15 matches remaining in the season. Jones's inaugural experience as a first-team coach will see him in action this afternoon as Blackburn faces Queens Park Rangers. This new role presents a substantial opportunity for Jones to apply his vast playing knowledge and newly acquired coaching skills in a competitive senior environment, contributing to Blackburn's efforts to climb out of the relegation zone.
