Portland Timbers fans have hit out at Phil Neville amid his impending arrival to become the MLS team’s new head coach. In a scathing statement the “Timbers Army” has claimed that they are against appointing the former Inter Miami manager following his “history of sexist public statements.”
The statement was released concerning comments made by Neville on his social media in 2012. The posts came to light ahead of his appointment as the England Women’s national team head coach in 2018.
One of Neville’s posts at the time remarked that women would be too “busy making breakfast/getting kids ready” to read his messages. The coach has since apologised for his comments.
Despite his apology, Neville’s comments are still coming back to haunt him ahead of being named as the new Portland Timbers head coach. The 46-year-old is in advanced talks to join the MLS franchise but is yet to officially agree a deal, according to The Athletic.
The appointment would be his third managerial role following his three-year spell with England and two years with Inter Miami. And the former Manchester United and Everton defender has already been met with resistance from fans.
“The 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,” the Timbers Army Steering Committee statement read.
“We 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. We urge the Timbers to reconsider this hire and reevaluate other candidates before [finalising] a contract.”
Neville’s previous experience in management will be a cause for concern among supporters. His first role as the England Women’s head coach saw him guide the team to a fourth-placed finish at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France. The team was knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual champions the United States.
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The six-time Premier League winner left the role to join Inter Miami – under the co-ownership of former Manchester United teammate David Beckham. Neville’s turbulent time at the club saw him sacked after a poor run of form, finishing with a record of 36 wins, 11 draws and 43 defeats.
After being relieved of his duties, Neville joined the Canadian national team as part of John Herdman’s backroom staff. He was involved in helping the team reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League final – where the team lost 2-0 to the United States.
Portland is working under interim head coach Miles Joseph for the time being following the sacking of Gio Savarese after a five-and-a-half year spell in charge. The team will next be in action in the new season having failed to secure a place in the playoffs amid a 10th place finish in the Western Conference.
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