Betsafe
Olympic Sports
News, Blog and GuidesThe Timbers have a new head coach, who previously managed Inter Miami and the England Women’s team.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Nov 6th, 2023 18:21 EST
Icon SportswireGetty Images
Portland Timbers have confirmed the appointment of Phil Neville as head coach.
The former Manchester United and Everton player has had a varied managerial career, most notably spending two years in charge of Inter Miami. His spell in Florida ended in June and he was a part of Canada coach John Herdman’s backroom staff over the summer.
“We are thrilled to welcome Phil Neville as the new head coach of the Portland Timbers, and we look forward to making Phil and his family feel at home in Portland,” general manager Ned Grabavoy wrote in a statement.
A new era in Portland.Phil Neville is #RCTID 👏
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) November 6, 2023
“Phil’s character makes him the right person to lead this team forward as we continue to reshape the group with a goal of returning to sustained success. His leadership qualities, diverse experience as a coach, and ambition to evolve made him a terrific fit here with us in Portland.”
The Timbers had been without a permanent head coach since the departure of Giovanni Savarese in August. Miles Joseph had been leading the team on an interim basis since the summer.
Old Phil Neville tweets cause controversy
Neville’s appointment has been met with a mixed reception from Timbers supporters, some of whom are critical of historic social media posts made by the Englishman.
When Neville took over the England Women’s team a series of sexist tweets emerged.
After beginning a post with “Morning men!” he went on to claim that women would be busy with household chores at that that time. In another he wrote: “I’m back chilled – just battered the wife!!! Feel better now!”
We urge the @TimbersFC to reconsider this hire and reevaluate other candidates before finalizing a contract. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/SkRviniyvP
— Timbers Army (@timbersarmy) November 3, 2023
He later claimed that the second tweet was referencing a table tennis game between the pair, but he acknowledged that he had made a mistake with the tweets.
The followed day he released a statement: “Following comments made a number of years ago I would like to clarify that they were not and are not a true and genuine reflection of either my character or beliefs and would like to apologise.”
Phil Neville’s MLS record with Inter Miami
Neville was appointed Inter Miami head coach in January 2021, joining up with former Manchester United teammate David Beckham. He took over the nascent team during a tumultuous time in Miami but underwhelmed from the start.
They began Neville’s tenure by winning just two of their first 12 MLS games, the worst record in the league at that point. Miami finished Neville’s first season 11th in the Eastern Conference, missing out on the post-season.
The following season saw some improvement as Miami finished sixth to qualify for the playoffs. However their post-season journey did not last long and they were eliminated by New York City FC in Round One.
Full screen
Phil Neville struggled to find consistency during his time with Inter Miami.
The 2023 season began poorly for Inter Miami and Neville was dismissed in June with the team bottom of the Eastern Conference. Shortly after, the club announced the signing of Lionel Messi and their fortunes changed dramatically.
