Phil Neville's tenure with the Portland Timbers has ended following what the club described as a mutual parting of ways. The departure comes after a disappointing run that left the team sitting 13th in the MLS Western Conference, far from playoff contention.
Neville acknowledged the shortfall in a statement released after the announcement. "I realize we are in a results business, and the results haven't been to the expectation of this football club," he said. The coach expressed gratitude to ownership, his staff, and the players while also calling out the passionate fan base for their continued backing.
Timbers owner Merritt Paulson praised Neville's character and work ethic despite the on-field struggles. "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," Paulson said. He highlighted the coach's leadership qualities and positive outlook.
The team reached the playoffs in both of Neville's first two seasons but failed to advance beyond the opening round in either instance. A 3-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes marked his final match in charge and summed up the overall decline.
Neville came to Portland after his stint with Inter Miami from 2021 to 2023. He departed that club shortly before Lionel Messi's arrival transformed the franchise into a major contender. He also previously coached the England women's national team, guiding them to the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
Author James Rodriguez: "Portland's front office bet on a respected name and big-game pedigree, but MLS doesn't care about your resume when the wins aren't there."
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