Official: PL winner with United lands exciting first senior coaching role in Championship

Former Manchester United player Phil Jones has taken a significant step into coaching.

Man United career

The former Blackburn Rovers defender signed for Manchester United in 2011 after impressing at Ewood Park.

He played 229 games for the club, scoring six goals in all competitions. He also made 27 appearances for the England national team during his career.

Jones also won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League trophies during his time in Manchester. Nonetheless, he spent large periods of his time at the club injured, especially in the last few years, when he played just 13 matches between 2019 and 2023.

Post-playing career

Jones retired in 2023 and spent time coaching the under-14 and under-18 teams at Manchester United’s Carrington training complex.

He completed his Diploma in Sport Directorship with the PFA Business School and has also been working on his UEFA Pro Licence to develop his coaching career.

First senior step

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

TalkSPORT report that, “Phil Jones has returned to Blackburn as part of their coaching team – 15 years after his Ewood Park exit.”

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

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

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

The Rovers will face Queens Park Rangers later this afternoon in Jones’ first experience of the Championship as a first-team coach.

Blackburn find themselves in the relegation zone in 22nd place with 15 matches still to play this season.

Back home #Rovers pic.twitter.com/2FBjhIrxJf

— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) February 13, 2026

Phil Jones career stats

Source: Wikipedia

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