Sheffield United: Alan Knill departs as Phil Jones joins coaching staff

Sheffield United have announced a reshuffle of their coaching staff which has seen the arrival of former Manchester United and England defender Phil Jones and the departure of long-term assistant boss Alan Knill.

Jones, 34, moves to Bramall Lane as first-team coach after leaving Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers last week.

He had joined the Ewood Park club in February as part of interim boss Michael O’Neill’s coaching team.

Knill has been boss Chris Wilder’s assistant in all three of his spells with Sheffield United, as well as working with him at Northampton Town, Middlesbrough and Watford.

His exit ends their association which stretches back to 2008 when Knill was manager at Bury.

“My association with Alan goes back many years and he has been pivotal to the success we have had together,” Wilder told the Blades website., external

“He’s not only been a brilliant coach but also a great confidant. He departs with our gratitude and best wishes for the future.”