Phil Neville has stepped down as head coach of England Women, the FA has confirmed.
“His decision to leave now means the FA will shortly confirm the name of an interim head coach to lead the Lionesses in February with Sarina Wiegman assuring the full-time role following the Olympic Games in August,” read a statement from the FA on Monday morning.
“A recruitment process had already been underway with assistant coach Rehanne Skinner’s departure to join Tottenham Hotspur last November.”
Neville became manager of the Women’s team in January 2018 but he originally announced last April that he would move away from the position this summer, as per Sky Sports.
However, it looks like he’s about to take the job at MLS side Inter Miami, which is co-owned by his former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham.
As Jonathan Liew writes in his Guardian column, Neville’s move to Miami would mark another door being held open for him — but we still want him to succeed in any position he holds.
I’m not sure what moving to American means for his career — but it doesn’t sound like he knows himself just yet, which is fine because it’s a fantastic opportunity to travel and experience a different standard of football.
Neville will also be able to let Ole Gunnar Solskjaer know if there are any exciting prospects coming through in the US before one of the Bundesliga clubs snatches them up.
“It has been an honour to manage England and I have enjoyed three of the best years of my career with The FA and the Lionesses,” added Neville.
“The players who wear the England shirt are some of the most talented and dedicated athletes I have ever had the privilege to work with. They have challenged me and improved me as a coach, and I am very grateful to them for the fantastic memories we have shared.
“I’d like to thank The FA for the tremendous backing they have given me, in particular Sue Campbell and my talented support staff whose energy, commitment and enthusiasm has been crucial to helping us make the progress we have. UI wish England Women every success in the future and look forward to following their journey in the years to come.”
This is considered a developing story with Miami potentially closing in on announcing Neville.
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