Phil Jones is no stranger to off-field noise at his previous clubs and experienced it at Sheffield United within weeks of joining. Danny Hall spoke to him after the latest controversy involving the Blades’ under-fire owners...
When Sheffield United identified Phil Jones as a good candidate to join their set-up earlier this summer, it was the former defender’s coaching ability and potential that caught their eye. But in the wake of the last off-field saga at Bramall Lane recently, his experience of uncertainty above him is probably an added bonus.
The former England international played at Manchester United during years of supporter protests against the Glazer ownership and, more recently, began his coaching career at Blackburn Rovers during the turbulent reign of Indian chicken conglomerate Venky's.
So when, inside his first few weeks at Bramall Lane, the Blades’ co-owners’ company was hit with a winding-up petition over alleged unpaid debts for the purchase of the club, it was hardly unfamiliar territory for the 34-year-old.
“No, I'm very well aware of the situations and problems that arise within football clubs,” Jones admitted to The Star. “And how people deal with it, and so on and so on.
“So, look, it happens in every single football club. So it’s no surprise. But the club will deal with everything in good order, and do things properly and right, as they should do.”
What that looks like remains to be seen, with Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy continuing their vow of silence over their ownership of United. But in the short-term Blades fans are more concerned by matters on the pitch.
Jones is currently in Valencia with United for a training camp that culminates in a friendly against Levante on Friday. He is one of a couple of new faces, including fresh signing Romelle Donovan, with Rosen also flying out and being spotted in conversation with manager Chris Wilder and chief executive Stephen Bettis.
The Blades boss is likely to have taken the opportunity to discuss the ongoing situation with Rosen, as he looks to kick on United’s recruitment drive with the new season looming large on the horizon.
“I'm looking forward to maybe understanding the players individually a bit more and having a bit more time with them,” said Jones before boarding the flight to Spain. “Off the pitch as well, because I think that's important.
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“There are a lot of messages that go on the pitch, but off the pitch, how the players are and getting to know them more and understanding them a bit better, for me as a coach, is valuable as well.
“We’re working hard and looking forward to the next game. The message has been the same to the lads - that, pre-season game or not, you go out on the pitch and you look to win the game of football, first and foremost."
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