MLS outfit Portland Timbers are in advanced talks to hire Phil Neville as manager.
The former Manchester United midfielder and coach was sacked by Inter Miami in June, although he could return to management in the near future, with the finer details of a contract being ironed out to keep him in the United States.
According to The Athletic, Neville is expected to be named new Portland Timbers coach but the deal is not totally done or signed yet.
Neville was previously in charge of Inter Miami for two-and-a-half seasons until he was sent his marching orders in June. Furthermore, he was a managerial candidate for other MLS clubs, including New England Revolution.
Portland Timbers fan group disappointed
A Portland Timbers fan group say they are “deeply disappointed” the club is being linked with Neville after his “history of sexist statements” on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A statement from Timbers Army supporters’ club read: “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.
“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 re-evaluate other candidates before finalising a contract.”
We urge the @TimbersFC to reconsider this hire and reevaluate other candidates before finalizing a contract. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/SkRviniyvP
— Timbers Army (@timbersarmy) November 3, 2023
Neville was coach of the Lionesses for three years before being linking up with former teammate David Beckham as Inter Miami boss.
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