What Phil Jones could bring to Sheffield United amid plan for coaching reshuffle
With Alan Knill poised to leave Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers first-team coach Phil Jones has emerged as a candidate to strengthen the Blades’ coaching pool.
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has previously outlined his hands-on approach to coaching amid claims he could join Chris Wilder’s backroom team at Sheffield United.
It was reported by journalist Alan Nixon on Sunday that United have ‘set their sights’ on the Blackburn Rovers coach as they plan to shuffle Wilder’s coaching team ahead of the forthcoming campaign.
As revealed by The Star last Thursday, Alan Knill - Wilder’s long-term assistant - is set to leave Bramall Lane because of the reshuffle being overseen by the club’s hierarchy. The 61-year-old is understood to have been shocked when the news was delivered last week.
COH Sports are understood to have made the call with an eye on the future and Knill’s departure could see increased roles and responsibilities for young coaches. Jones swiftly moved into coaching after retiring from his playing career in August 2024 at the age of just 32.
A graduate of Blackburn’s academy, Jones returned to Ewood Park in February this year in the capacity as a first-team coach, working alongside head coach Michael O’Neill, who has since left the club to fully focus on the Northern Ireland national team. Tony Mowbray was installed as O’Neill’s successor last Friday and it remains to be seen if Jones will be part of his plans.
Amid suggestions United are lining up the former England defender to join Wilder’s backroom team, Jones has already offered an insight into his methods as a coach, insisting he loves nothing more than being out on the grass and being at the very heart of training sessions.
“I’ve always had an eye for the coaching element,” Jones told RoversTV back in February. “When I finished, it was quite abrupt.
“I didn’t expect it to happen so quick, with me having to retire, but as soon as that happened and as soon as I digested what happened, being on the grass and back involved with the lads and helping young players come through and develop, that’s been my passion since.
“I love being out on the grass. I love taking sessions, I love being involved, I love the analysis, I love the tactical side, the technical side.”
As well as sharing his love for getting stuck in on the training pitch, Jones, who did not have the length of his Rovers contract revealed when he joined the club earlier this year, also admitted that his long-term goal is to become a manager himself, reiterating his desire to one day take the top job at Ewood Park.
Speaking to the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Jones admitted: “Of course I would love to (manage Rovers). As a player, I have so many fond memories there, going as a little kid and growing up through the academy.