PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The Portland Timbers announced Monday that they have parted ways with coach Phil Neville after more than two seasons.
The move comes after Portland lost 3-1 at home to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night. The Timbers are 4-8-2 this season and sit in 13th place in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference.
Neville joined the team for the 2024 season and led the Blazers to a 27-31-24 record. In a statement, Neville thanked the Timbers’ front office, players and supporters.
“We know we are in the results business, but the results have not lived up to the expectations of this football club. Dear Timbers, you are the reason I want to bring success to this club,” Neville said. “Please continue to support the players and the club in this wonderful city. We will miss you all.”
The former Manchester United defender was a coach at Inter Miami before being hired by the Timbers, where he compiled a record of 35-42-13. Neville also coached England’s women’s national team at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
With the Timbers, Neville replaces Giovanni Savarese, who led the team to the MLS playoffs in four of his five-plus seasons with Portland.
Owner Merritt Paulson said, “In the nearly 20 years I’ve owned and operated the Portland Timbers, there are few people I’ve had more fun working with than Phil Neville.” “Phil has outstanding leadership qualities and endless positivity in the face of adversity. I cannot thank him enough for his tireless dedication to this club and the Portland community, which he and his family embrace wholeheartedly.”
We are currently looking for a successor. Portland did not immediately name an interim manager as MLS is currently on hiatus due to the international break and the Men’s World Cup, which begins June 11th.
In addition to a long playing career in the Premier League with Manchester United and Everton, Neville also made 59 appearances for the England national team and played in three European Championships.
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