Phil Neville leaves MLS side after former Manchester United defender suffers horror start to season
Phil Neville has left MLS side Portland Timbers after the former Manchester United defender suffered a horror start to the season.
Neville's exit was confirmed two days after a 3-1 home defeat to San Jose Earthquakes, with Portland languishing in 13th place in the Western Conference.
During his tenure, which began prior to the 2024 season, Neville won 27 games, lost 31, and drew 24 across two and a half years in charge.
His departure marks the end of a spell that failed to match the success of predecessor Giovanni Savarese, who guided the Timbers to playoff qualification in four of his five-plus seasons.
In a statement following his departure, Neville expressed gratitude to the club's supporters.
He said: "I realise we are in a results business, and the results haven't been to the expectations of this football club.
"To the Timbers Army - you are the reason I felt inspired to try and bring success to this club.
"Keep getting behind the players and the club in this wonderful city. I will miss you all."
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Club owner Merritt Paulson spoke warmly of the departing coach, describing him as one of the nicest people he has worked with during nearly two decades running the franchise.
He said: "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.
"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."
Portland have not appointed an interim boss, with the league on an international break ahead of the men's World Cup.
Prior to joining Portland, Neville held the managerial position at Inter Miami, where his record stood at 35 wins, 42 defeats and 13 draws.
He also led the England women's national team at the 2019 World Cup.
As a player, the 49-year-old enjoyed a distinguished career in the Premier League with Manchester United and Everton, whilst earning 59 caps for England.
The timing of his Portland exit proved particularly difficult, coming alongside disappointment for Salford City, the club he co-owns with other former Manchester United legends.
Salford suffered defeat to Notts County in the League Two play-off final, compounding what has been a challenging period for Neville.
His brother Gary, David Beckham and Paul Scholes all appeared to have glum faces as they saw Salford lose.
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