'Disappointed' - Blackburn Rovers confirm Phil Jones exit amid Sheffield United links
Sheffield United have been closely linked with the prospect of adding Phil Jones to Chris Wilder’s coaching staff - and the former’s exit from Blackburn Rovers has now been confirmed.
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed first-team coach Phil Jones has informed them of his decision to leave the club to explore an opportunity elsewhere amid recent links with a move to Sheffield United.
The Star, last Thursday, revealed United are set to oversee a shake-up to their coaching staff this summer in a move that is poised to see manager Chris Wilder’s long-time assistant, Alan Knill, leave the club. The 61-year-old is understood to have been shocked when the news was delivered to him last week.
With talk of a freshening-up to Wilder’s backroom team, it was reported by journalist Alan Nixon last Sunday that United had their ‘sights set’ on Jones, who returned to Ewood Park back in February to join former head coach Michael O’Neill’s coaching team.
However, O’Neill exited Ewood Park last month to fully concentrate on the Northern Ireland national team. Tony Mowbray has since been installed as his successor and his coaching team is yet to be assembled.
The Star was told that Jones could have been considered as an option to become Rovers’ new Under-21s boss, but he announced on his Instagram page on Wednesday evening that his time with the club had come to an end.
Posting an emotional farewell, Jones, who is a graduate of Blackburn’s academy, said: “As my time at Blackburn Rovers comes to an end, I'd just like to say thank you. Returning to Blackburn was something I'd always hoped I'd get the chance to do, so I'm grateful it became a reality.
“I've loved being back at the club and have enjoyed every moment. A huge thank you to Michael O'Neill for the opportunity to be part of his coaching staff and bringing me back to where it all started.
“Thank you also to all the players, staff and supporters for making my time here so enjoyable. Wishing everyone at the club nothing but success in the future.”
Following Jones’ farewell message, Blackburn have issued a statement of their own, outlining their disappointment at the former Manchester United defender’s decision to move on, confirming he has told them he plans to ‘pursue another opportunity’ elsewhere.
A statement issued on Rovers’ website said: “Rovers can confirm that Phil Jones has informed the club of his decision to pursue another opportunity away from Ewood Park.
“The former Rovers defender returned to the club in February and made a valuable contribution as part of Michael O’Neill’s coaching staff.
“Phil’s passion for Blackburn Rovers was evident throughout his time back at the club and while we are naturally disappointed to see him leave, we respect his decision to continue developing his coaching career.
“Everyone at Blackburn Rovers would like to thank Phil for his professionalism and commitment, and wish him every success in the future.”