After a number of rumors, it has been confirmed that Phil Neville will become the Portland Timbers’ new manager for the 2024 season, the club announced today. For Neville, he will have a multiyear contract until the 2026 season. Neville holds a UEFA Pro License, becoming the fourth manager in the Timbers franchise since their inception to MLS.
Neville will be formally introduced to the media at an in-person and virtual press conference on Tuesday, November 6th at 10 am Pacific Standard Time at Providence Park.
“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,” said general manager Ned Grabavoy. “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.”
Neville, 46, so far has six years managing experience at the senior level and in the international stages after enjoying as a top-notch career as a player with Manchester United and Everton in the English Premier League as well in the international levels with England’s Women’s National Team. His last stint was as an assistant to Canadian Men’s National Team in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Tournament.
“I am massively excited about the challenge ahead, and from the very first moment I met the staff I knew it was the right opportunity for me, the right club for me and the right city for me,” said Neville. “The fans are the most important part of this football club with their intensity and support, and I think this journey is going to be something special. I have great memories visiting Portland, which reminds me of Manchester, my hometown, and I can’t wait for my family to get to know this beautiful city.”
Phil Neville was appointed manager of Inter Miami CF ahead of the club’s second MLS season in 2021, leading them through two plus MLS campaigns until his departure midway through 2023. In 2022, Neville with Miami CF finished sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a mark of 14 wins, 14 losses, and 6 draws and 48 points, earning a postseason berth and the club’s best-ever position.
Prior to coaching in MLS, Neville was selected as the England Women’s National Team head coach in January of 2018. At the helm of the Lionesses, Neville’s side won the 2019 SheBelieves Cup and led the team to an undefeated 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualification run before placing fourth in the tournament. Additionally, Neville had spells as an assistant coach for La Liga side Valencia CF (2015-16), Premier League side Manchester United (2013-14) and the England U21 Men’s National Team (2012-13).
Internationally, Neville tallied 59 appearances for the England Men’s National Team. He made five appearances in two different UEFA Euro tournaments (2000, 2004) and four appearances in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (1998, 2001) with the Three Lions. Neville made his senior international debut against China on May 23, 1996. He also featured in England’s U-16, U-18 and U-21 teams.
A native of Bury, England, Neville is married to Julie Neville, and is father to Harvey and Isabella Neville.
Source: Portland Timbers Communications
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