Phil Jones, who played over 200 games for Manchester United, has returned to his former club to take up a surprise first senior coaching role
16:05, 13 Feb 2026
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Phil Jones Manchester United coach at Carrington Training Ground on September 16, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Phil Jones has made an emotional return to his former club (Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Phil Jones has been revealed as part of Blackburn Rovers' revamped coaching setup after the Championship side appointed Michael O'Neill as their new head coach on a deal running until the end of the campaign.
Rovers have been searching for a new manager following their split with Valerien Ismael earlier this month after a damaging eight-match streak without victory. The club currently sits in the final relegation spot in the Championship standings, with goal difference alone keeping them amongst the bottom three at present.
Following considerable speculation, it was announced on Friday that O'Neill, who manages the Northern Ireland national side, would take over from Ismael at Ewood Park.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Phil Jones of Manchester United applauds at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 28, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Phil Jones retired after leaving Manchester United in 2023(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Jones, who progressed through Blackburn's youth system, forms part of O'Neill's fresh backroom staff alongside Steve Davis and Damien Johnson, with the latter set to oversee Saturday's clash with Queens Park Rangers.
The ex-Manchester United centre-back, 33, retired from playing in August 2024 - one year after leaving the Red Devils as a free agent at the end of his contract.
Jones joined United from Blackburn in 2011 for £16.5million and made 229 appearances in an injury-hit spell which ultimately curtailed his playing career.
Phil Jones of Blackburn Rovers (Photo by Matthew Ashton/AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)
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Jones has returned to Blackburn, where he started his career(Image: Matthew Ashton, Corbis via Getty Images)
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This represents his first venture into senior coaching since ending a playing stint that saw him pick up the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
He had voiced his ambition to pursue coaching following retirement and undertook some duties at Old Trafford with academy sides before departing.
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Blackburn's pursuit of Michael O'Neill, who will continue to lead Northern Ireland whilst managing the club, follows discussions with ex-Millwall and Oxford United boss, Gary Rowett.
Rowett quickly became a frontrunner for the Ewood Park job after parting ways with Oxford in December. The 51-year-old boasts an impressive Championship record, having guided Millwall to several play-off campaigns and ensured Oxford's survival in the division last season.
It is believed that Rowett is attracting further interest from Championship clubs.