Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has taken another step in his coaching journey after joining Sheffield United’s first-team coaching staff.
The retired defender, who ended his playing career in 2023, arrives at Bramall Lane after gaining valuable experience as a coach at Blackburn Rovers, where he worked as part of Michael O’Neill’s first-team setup.
Jones’ move represents a new phase in his post-playing career as he continues developing his coaching identity after a successful playing career that included more than a decade at Manchester United and international experience with England.
The 34-year-old has already been involved in coaching at different levels, including a spell working with Manchester United’s academy before moving into first-team coaching with Blackburn.
Sheffield United head coach Chris Wilder believes Jones’ experience playing under elite managers will help him make a strong impact within the club’s coaching structure.
“Phil (Jones) is a young coach who has played under some of the very best and is now forging his own pathway in coaching,” Wilder told the club’s official website.
“He’s coming in tasked with helping throughout the team and he’s already gained some great experience coaching in the academy at Manchester United and with the first team at Blackburn last season. He is highly thought of at both clubs.”
Jones spent his playing career working under some of football’s most respected coaches, including Sir Alex Ferguson, and Sheffield United believe that knowledge can now be transferred into his coaching role.
The appointment is part of a wider reshuffle within Wilder’s backroom team, with assistant manager Alan Knill and first-team coach Guilherme Ramos leaving Bramall Lane.
Micky Collins has been appointed as Wilder’s new assistant, replacing Knill as the club prepares for the next stage of its football project.
For Jones, the move continues his transition from player to coach, with his focus now shifting towards developing players, supporting tactical preparation and contributing to Sheffield United’s ambitions.
Having experienced the demands of top-level football during his career, Jones brings a player’s perspective into a coaching environment where communication, preparation and development are increasingly important.
The former England international will now look to build his reputation from the technical area as he begins his latest chapter in football.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
