Former Manchester United star Phil Jones returns to Blackburn for first senior job in retirement

Phil Jones has returned to Blackburn as part of their coaching team – 15 years after his Ewood Park exit.

The 33-year-old has linked up with new Rovers boss Michael O’Neill, who will also remain on as Northern Ireland’s manager in a unique dual role until the end of the season.

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While O’Neill is gearing up for the Green and White Army’s World Cup play-offs next month, he is also being tasked with inpsiring Blackburn to safety.

As it stands, the 1995 Premier League champions are in danger of playing League One football next term as they sit in 22nd spot in the Championship.

And O’Neill has wasted no time in bringing in who he wants alongside him in the dugout.

Jones, who came through Blackburn’s ranks before making his debut in September 2009 before joining Manchester United two years later, has been confirmed to be part of O’Neill’s backroom team.

It is his first senior coaching role since he retired in August 2024.

After leaving the Red Devils as a free agent in 2023, he worked as a coach for their under-14 and under-18 sides.

He did so alongside his PFA Business School course, for which he received a Diploma in Sport Directorship in September.

Joining Jones as a Blackburn coach is ex-Southampton midfielder and Northern Ireland’s all-time appearance maker Steven Davis.

Davis has plenty of experience of working with O’Neill, having played underneath him during the former Stoke manager’s two spells in charge.

More to follow…