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The Portland Timbers have spurned fans by announcing the hire of Phil Neville as manager for the 2024 season. Protests by club supporters – including the \u2018Timbers Army\u2019 – fell on deaf ears as Portland moved to secure the Englishman having let go of Giovanni Savarese in the middle of last season.<\/p>\n
The appointment is Neville\u2019s third role in management following his three-year spell in charge of the England women\u2019s team and two years with Inter Miami. In a statement confirming the move, Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy said: \u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPhil’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.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, the appointment of Neville – who was let go by Inter Miami after starting the 2023 season with five wins and 10 losses – will be met with bemusement from Portland fans. A scathing statement issued by the Timbers Army Steering Committee referenced sexist comments posted by Neville on his social media in 2012.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe Portland Timbers are currently rebuilding a team on the pitch in addition to their ongoing efforts to rebuild trust with their fans and the community,\u201d the statement read. \u201cWe are deeply disappointed that the club has reportedly settled on a finalist for head coach who has a history of sexist public statements that run counter to our ethos as a club, city and supporters’ group, and who also lacks a proven track record as a manager.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe urge the Timbers to reconsider this hire and reevaluate other candidates before finalising a contract.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neville has since apologised for his comments, but they linger over his head amid a tense arrival at his new club. The 46-year-old, who won 35 of 90 games in charge of Inter Miami, is ready to get to grips with the Timbers as they chase a first MLS title since 2015.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Neville said. \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
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