Why Phil Jones is 'excited' about Sheffield United project as he makes Chris Wilder admission
Sheffield United have added former Manchester United defender Phil Jones to Chris Wilder’s coaching team.
Phil Jones has admitted he is “really excited” to have joined Sheffield United after becoming the newest addition to manager Chris Wilder’s backroom team, speaking enthusiastically about the project being overseen at Bramall Lane.
United confirmed on Wednesday afternoon Jones had joined the club’s coaching staff as part of a reshuffle, which has seen Alan Knill - Wilder’s long-time assistant - and Guilherme Ramos leave S2. Micky Collins has been promoted to assistant manager following Knill’s departure.
Jones has arrived at Bramall Lane following a recent stint at Blackburn Rovers. A graduate of the Lancashire club’s academy, Jones returned to Ewood Park in February to join former head coach Michael O’Neill’s coaching team.
However, Jones, who retired from his playing career almost two years ago, announced his exit from Rovers last week amid uncertainty over his future following Tony Mowbray’s appointment as head coach.
Although Jones is still relatively new to coaching at senior level, the opportunity to join the Blades and work alongside Wilder was too good a chance to turn down.
"I think it's a club that's got rich history,” Jones told United’s in-house media. “I've played against them a lot of times over the years.
“I know exactly what they're about, what the fans expect, and speaking to Chris and the staff, it was a project that I was really excited about.”
Asked how much he is looking forward to working alongside Wilder, Jones continued: “I'm really looking forward to it. I've had some good conversations with him on how he sees the team and how he wants to play.
“The project's there. I'm excited about it. I think we have got a really good squad and a really good chance this season.
“There will be pressure, but we have got to embrace that pressure.”
Following his retirement in August 2024, Jones, who has made no secret of his hunger to become a manager himself one day, stepped into coaching at Manchester United. The former centre-back spent 12 years at Old Trafford as a player, making more than 200 appearances, and joined United’s academy as a coach, working with the club’s Under-18s.