Former Manchester United star Phil Neville axed as manager of MLS side Portland Timbers after humiliating start to season
Former Manchester United star Phil Neville has officially left his position as head coach of MLS side, the Portland Timbers, after two-and-half seasons.
Neville’s exit comes after the Timbers won just four of their 14 MLS fixtures so far this season, leaving them flailing near the bottom of the Western Conference in 13th.
The former defender finished with a 27-31-24 record at the helm of the Timbers after joining the team ahead of the 2024 season.
Following his departure, which was announced two days after Portland’s 3-1 loss at home to the San Jose Earthquakes, Neville thanked the Timbers’ front office, players and supporters in a statement.
‘I realize we are in a results business, and the results haven´t been to the expectation of this football club. To the Timbers Army – you are the reason I felt inspired to try and bring success to this club,’ Neville said. ‘Keep getting behind the players and the club in this wonderful city. I will miss you all.’
Before he was hired by the Timbers, the Englishman was coach at Inter Miami, where he finished 35-42-13. Neville also coached the England women’s national team at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
Phil Neville has officially left his position as head coach of MLS side, the Portland Timbers
The former defender previously coached David Beckham’s Inter Miami side
With the Timbers, Neville replaced Giovanni Savarese, who led the team to the MLS playoffs in four of his five-plus seasons in Portland.
‘In my nearly two decades of owning and operating the Portland Timbers, there are very few people I have enjoyed working with more than Phil Neville,’ owner Merritt Paulson said.
‘Phil has outstanding leadership qualities and a boundless sense of positivity even in the face of adversity. I cannot thank Phil enough for his tireless dedication to this club and the Portland community, which he and his family truly embraced.’
The search for a replacement is underway. Portland did not immediately name an interim coach because MLS currently is on hiatus for an international break and the men’s World Cup starting June 11.
Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy added: ‘We are appreciative of Phil’s commitment and efforts during his time with the Portland Timbers.
‘Phil brought enthusiasm and passion to the role, and it was a pleasure to work with him. We wish Phil all the best in his next opportunity.
‘This offseason we had pointed discussions about the areas we needed to build on and improve.
Neville’s exit comes after the Timbers won just four of their 14 MLS fixtures so far this season
‘Ultimately, we have not seen the progress we’ve needed to, and, most importantly, results have fallen well short of expectations.’
In addition to his lengthy playing career in the Premier League with Manchester United and Everton, Neville also appeared in 59 matches for England´s national team, playing in three European championships.
His firing dealt a double blow to Neville with Salford, the club he and the Class of ’92 co-own, lost in the League Two play-off final to Notts County.
Neville previously coached the English team before his positions with Miami and the Lionesses.
