Inter Miami has appointed former England Women’s head coach Phil Neville as Diego Alonso’s successor.
After weeks of speculation, the Herons confirmed the move to make Neville their second head coach today following Alonso’s departure earlier this month.
Neville had been the manager of England Women since 2018 but left his post on Monday amid his expected appointment to the Miami job.
The former Manchester United and Everton midfielder has held a number of coaching roles. including in the England youth teams and with Valencia, but aside from an interim role at League Two club Salford City, which he partly owns along with his former Manchester United teammates, has has never managed a senior men’s team.
“I am incredibly delighted for this opportunity to coach Inter Miami and to work with Chris and the entire ownership group. This is a very young club with a lot of promise and upside, and I am committed to challenging myself, my players and everyone around me to grow and build a competitive soccer culture we can all be proud of,” said Neville. “This fantastic soccer-loving market deserves consistent performances and a winning mentality, and I look forward to getting to work.”
That changes with his arrival in Miami and he has a tough job on his hands with David Beckham and Jorge Mas clearly expecting big things in South Florida.
“I am very happy with the leadership group we have established to lead the team as we turn the page following our inaugural season and look forward to having Chris and Phil join us soon. I have known Phil since we were both teenagers at the Manchester United Academy. We share a footballing DNA having been trained by some of the best leaders in the game, and it’s those values that I have always wanted running through our Club,” said Inter Miami CF Co-Owner David Beckham. “Phil has deep experience in football, as a player and as a coach at both club and international level, and over his career he has worked with many of the finest managers and players in the game. I know his qualities as a person, his decency, loyalty and honesty – and his incredible energy and work ethic. Anyone who has played or worked with Phil knows he is a natural leader, and I believe now is the right time for him to join.”
Former boss Alonso was able to reach the play-in round with a 10th place finish in his first season at the club, but a defeat to Nashville saw him shown the exit door.
Additionally, Inter Miami is bringing in Chris Henderson as Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director.
Henderson spent the last 13 seasons as sporting director for Seattle Sounders FC, where he helped guide the club to a plethora of trophies, including two MLS Cups, one Supporters’ Shield and four US Open Cups.
He spent 11 years in MLS, including the inaugural 1996 season, and made 317 career appearances, including 25 for the defunct Miami Fusion in 2001. Henderson also made 79 appearances with the US National Team.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to take the next step in my career, return back to South Florida and solidify my mark on this league,” said Henderson. “I have always believed in the Inter Miami project and the club’s ability to become a powerhouse not only in MLS, but across the global soccer industry. My goal is to work with the technical staff to ensure we have a roster that fits the style of soccer we want while maintaining a healthy pipeline of youth, league wide and international players who could contribute to the team’s success on and off the field. I’m looking forward to joining Inter Miami’s journey and reconnecting with the fanbase in South Florida.”
