Phil Jones: Ex-Man United defender set to shape Super Eagles star at Blackburn?

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has completed a full-circle return to Blackburn Rovers after joining the club’s first-team coaching staff under new head coach Michael O’Neill, Afrik Foot reports.

The appointment, confirmed on Thursday, marks Jones’ first senior coaching role since retiring from professional football in the summer of 2024.

The 33-year-old reunites with the club where he began his career, having risen through Blackburn’s academy before making his senior debut in 2009 and later earning a move to Manchester United in 2011.

Jones joins O’Neill’s backroom team alongside former Southampton and Rangers midfielder Steven Davis. Damien Johnson remains in place as first-team technical coach and head of player development.

O’Neill has been appointed on a short-term deal until the end of the 2025/26 season while continuing his duties as manager of Northern Ireland.

Phil Jones brings elite experience

Jones arrives at Ewood Park with a decorated playing career behind him, having won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League during his time at Old Trafford.

Despite enduring persistent injury problems, he made over 200 appearances for Manchester United and earned international caps with England.

His return comes at a crucial moment for Blackburn, who sit 22nd in the Championship with 15 matches remaining. The club hopes Jones’ experience at the highest level will help stabilise a defence that has struggled for consistency this season as Rovers battle to pull clear of the relegation zone.

Supporters have welcomed the move warmly, viewing Jones’ homecoming as both symbolic and practical. Having played across the back line and even in midfield during his career, he is expected to contribute immediately to tactical organisation and defensive coaching.

Super Eagles star set to benefit from Jones’ guidance

One player tipped to gain most from Jones’ arrival is right-back Ryan Alebiosu. The 24-year-old Nigerian joined Blackburn from Belgian side KV Kortrijk in July 2025 on a three-year contract, with an option for an additional year.

Alebiosu has established himself as one of Blackburn’s standout performers, featuring mainly at right-back but also filling in on the right side of midfield and, on occasion, further forward.

He scored his first goal for the club in October 2025—an equaliser in a 2-1 win over Southampton — and later received a call-up to Nigeria’s Super Eagles provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Although a recent injury ruled him out of Nigeria’s last-16 AFCON clash, Alebiosu has drawn praise for his attacking thrust and defensive reliability.

Jones’ role within the coaching staff will see him work closely with the defensive unit, where his experience could help sharpen Alebiosu’s skills.

Blackburn are next in action away to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, with Johnson set to take charge from the touchline while O’Neill observes from the stands. Team predictions suggest Alebiosu is likely to return to his natural right-back role, where Jones’ influence could be felt early.