Phil Jones has returned to Blackburn as part of their coaching team – 15 years after his Ewood Park exit.
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.
Phil Jones coaching Manchester United's Under-18s
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Jones’ Blackburn return as a first-team coach has been confirmed having coached United’s youth players
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While O’Neill is gearing up for the Green and White Army’s World Cup play-offs next month, he is also being tasked with inpsiring Blackburn to safety.
As it stands, the 1995 Premier League champions are in danger of playing League One football next term as they sit in 22nd spot in the Championship.
And O’Neill has wasted no time in bringing in who he wants alongside him in the dugout.
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Jones, who came through Blackburn’s ranks before making his debut in September 2009 before joining Manchester United two years later, has been confirmed to be part of O’Neill’s backroom team.
It is his first senior coaching role since he retired in August 2024.
After leaving the Red Devils as a free agent in 2023, he worked as a coach for their under-14 and under-18 sides.
He did so alongside his PFA Business School course, for which he received a Diploma in Sport Directorship in September.
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Joining Jones as a Blackburn coach is ex-Southampton midfielder and Northern Ireland’s all-time appearance maker Steven Davis.
Davis has plenty of experience of working with O’Neill, having played underneath him during the former Stoke manager’s two spells in charge.
Both Jones and Davis will be with the Blackburn team when they face QPR at Loftus Road tomorrow.
Phil Jones working at Manchester United
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Jones has landed his first senior coaching job since retiring in 2024
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Phil Jones at Blackburn
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Jones [left] has returned to Ewood Park almost 15 years on from his exit
Blackburn have also revealed that Damien Johnson will continue in his role as first team technical coach and head of player development.
For O’Neill, who has penned a short-term deal with the Lancashire outfit, it’s a return to club football nearly four years on from his sacking at Stoke in August 2022.
And he is fully aware of the task he has at hand – keep Blackburn up.
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But he will not be in the dugout for clash with QPR, with O’Neill to watch from the stands as Johnson oversees duties.
Discussing his new job, O’Neill told the club’s website: “I am grateful to the Irish FA for their support and cooperation in allowing me to take this opportunity.
“Blackburn Rovers is a historic Premier League-winning club with a proud tradition, and the chance to work at a club of that stature is one I felt was important to embrace.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill
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O’Neill has linked up as Blackburn boss on a short-term deal until the end of the season
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“The immediate focus is clear – there is a challenge ahead in the final stretch of the season and the objective is to help the team build momentum and climb the Championship table.
“From a professional perspective, being back on the training pitch every day, involved in matches and the rhythm of club football, is always valuable.
“It keeps you sharp and connected to the demands of the game at this level.
“For now, my focus is on giving everything to Blackburn Rovers in the weeks ahead.
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“I understand what this club means to its supporters and I am looking forward to working with the players and staff to deliver performances the fans can be proud of.”