Prolific Striker Jordan Rhodes Ends Playing Career to Begin New Chapter at Blackburn Rovers

End of an Era in English Football

Jordan Rhodes, one of English football’s most prolific goalscorers of the past two decades, has announced his retirement at age 35. His impressive tally of 220 goals in English football’s top four tiers places him behind only Billy Sharp (259) and Harry Kane (227) since the 2004-05 season.

Distinguished Career

Rhodes’ career reached its pinnacle in the 2011/12 season when he became the top scorer in England with 36 league goals, setting a new club record at Huddersfield Town. His excellence extended to international duty, where he became Scotland’s all-time leading scorer at the under-21 level with eight goals. His talent led to a historic transfer in August 2012, when he became English football’s most expensive player outside the top flight with an £8 million move to Blackburn Rovers.

New Role at Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers have welcomed Rhodes back to Ewood Park as their new Loan Manager. In this position, he will mentor Rovers’ rising stars and work closely with the club’s Head of Football Operations. His responsibilities include identifying and arranging appropriate loan opportunities both domestically and abroad, ensuring these align with the club’s player development pathway.

Drawing from his experience of seven loan spells during his playing career, Rhodes will oversee young players’ development and progress. His role also involves building relationships with loan clubs and supporting the club’s recruitment strategy by assessing potential player targets.

Legacy in English Football

As Huddersfield Town stated in their tribute, Rhodes will be “forever cherished by Town fans for his contributions over two spells,” marking the end of a remarkable playing career and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in football development.