The Portland Timbers have appointed Phil Neville as their new manager.
The Major League Soccer outfit parted ways with Giovanni Savarese in the middle of last season, installing Miles Joseph as interim coach for the remainder of the campaign.
They have now named Neville as their head coach for the 2024 season.
“I 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,” Neville said.
“The 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.
“I have great memories visiting Portland, which reminds me of Manchester, my hometown, and I can’t wait for my family to get to know this beautiful city.’
Neville’s recent managerial stint came at Inter Miami, where he served from 2021 until 2023.
He took his side to the MLS Cup play-offs after leading them to a sixth-place finish in his second season.
However, the 46-year-old was sacked after a disappointing start to the 2023 campaign left them in last place in the Eastern Conference.
The Herons have since appointed Gerardo Martino who brought in some big names in the summer, headlined by Lionel Messi’s arrival.
Neville also served as England Women’s manager for three years before leaving his role to join Miami in January 2021.
He led the Lionesses to a fourth-place finish at the 2019 World Cup and success in the She Believes Cup. But England’s world ranking slipped from third to sixth during his tenure.
Portland have failed to make it to the play-offs in their previous two seasons, finishing 8th and 10th in the Western Conference. They will hope to make a comeback next year.
