Why well-known Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough figure has taken role with non-league club
Sheffield Wednesday’s record signing has taken on a role with a South Yorkshire non-league club.
EFL legend Jordan Rhodes ultimately had good times at bad at S6 but has remained local to the area and is now lending his name to North East Counties Premier Division side Penistone Church.
The former Scotland international, who retired over the summer after stints with Blackpool and Mansfield Town, was quickly snapped up as loans manager for Blackburn Rovers, for whom he is something of a modern great. It was announced on Tuesday morning that he will double-up his off-field duties as club ambassador at the Memorial Ground club, where 120th anniversary celebrations are ongoing amid big off-field plans.
Among those plans are the implementation of a new artificial pitch facility that will be used by the local community. Rhodes has an existing connection with the club in that he trained there for fitness in the last year. It is hoped his connections can be useful to Church, who finished the NCEL season in 13th place.
In a statement released by the club, Rhodes said: "I’m really pleased to be joining Penistone Church FC. Having already spent some time around the club, I know what a great setup it is and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and help wherever I can."
David Elliott, Chair & Commercial Director of Penistone Church FC, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have someone like Jordan on board. His experience at the highest level of the game and his connections within football will be hugely valuable to us. With so much happening at the club, from our 3G pitch project to celebrating 120 years in 2026, there is plenty for him to get involved in."