Sheffield United 'targeting' former Manchester United defender to strengthen Chris Wilder's coaching team
Blackburn Rovers coach Phil Jones is being linked with the prospect of joining Chris Wilder’s coaching staff at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United are reportedly looking into the prospect of adding Blackburn Rovers first-team coach Phil Jones to Chris Wilder’s coaching staff this summer.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Blades ‘have their sights’ on the former Manchester United defender as they plan to shake up their coaching staff. Wilder’s long-term assistant Alan Knill, as revealed by The Star on Thursday, is leaving S2 following COH Sports’ decision to shuffle the club’s coaching staff amid their future plans for the club.
Knill, 61, is understood to have been shocked by the news. He returned to Bramall Lane last September alongside Wilder after the pair departed less than three months earlier.
With a change in direction on the horizon, it has been reported that Blackburn coach Jones has been identified as a potential addition to Wilder’s coaching team. The former England centre-back returned to Ewood Park in February after Rovers appointed Michael O’Neill as head coach.
Despite Blackburn’s best efforts, O’Neill did not commit his future to the club beyond the end of this season, choosing to prioritise staying in charge of the Northern Ireland national team instead. Rovers, who secured Championship survival with a 3-1 win over the Blades at Bramall Lane in April, have since turned to Tony Mowbray, reappointing him as head coach on Friday.
However, Mowbray’s return to Ewood Park leaves Jones in a position of uncertainty. The former’s backroom team is yet to be assembled.
Blackburn did not disclose the length of Jones’ contract when he returned to Ewood Park earlier this year, but there is a possibility he was only handed a deal until the end of the campaign.
The 34-year-old, who is a graduate of Rovers’ academy, could be considered as a contender to become the Lancashire outfit’s new Under-21s manager, The Star has been told.
It has been reported that Blackburn will not stand in Jones’ way if any interested party comes knocking. Jones retired from his playing career in August 2024 at the age of just 32 due to a string of injury problems.