![Phil Neville coaches on the sidelines during an MLS match](https://www.footymercato.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/neville-appointed-portland-timbers-boss-in-mls.jpg)
Phil Neville has been appointed as the new manager of Portland Timbers with a contract until 2026.
The former England and Manchester United defender’s new role comes after he was sacked by fellow Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in June.
“I’m hugely excited about the challenge ahead,” says Neville, 46.
“From the first moment I met the staff, I knew this was the right opportunity for me, the right club for me and the right city for me.”
Before his appointment was confirmed, said a Portland Timbers fan group they were “deeply disappointed” that the club was linked to Neville following his “history of sexist statements”.
He apologized for past tweets about women after becoming England women’s boss in 2018.
“The fans are the most important part of this football club with their intensity and support, and I think this trip is going to be something special,” Neville added.
Neville coached the Lionesses for three years from 2018 to 2021 before moving to MLS to take the Miami job.
He left Inter Miami, co-owned by Neville’s former Manchester United and England teammate David Beckham, with the club bottom of the Eastern Conference after a run of 10 defeats in 13 games.
“Phil’s character makes him the right person to lead this team forward as we continue to reshape the group with the goal of returning to sustainable success,” said Ned Grabavoy, general manager of Portland Timbers.
“His leadership qualities, varied coaching experience and ambition to evolve made him an excellent fit for us in Portland.”