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Phil Neville has been appointed the new Portland Timbers manager on a contract until 2026.
The former England and Manchester United defender’s new role comes after he was sacked by fellow Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in June.
“I am massively excited about the challenge ahead,” said Neville, 46.
“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.”
Prior to confirmation of his appointment, a Portland Timbers fan group said they were “deeply disappointed” the club were linked with Neville after his “history of sexist statements”.
He apologised for past tweets about women after becoming England women’s boss in 2018.
“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,” added Neville.
Neville was coach of the Lionesses for three years from 2018 to 2021 before moving to MLS to take the Miami job.
He left Inter Miami, who are co-owned by Neville’s former Manchester United and England team-mate David Beckham, with the club bottom of the Eastern Conference after a run of 10 defeats in 13 games.
“Phil’s character makes him the right person to lead this team forward as we continue to reshape the group with a goal of returning to sustained success,” said Portland Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy.
“His leadership qualities, diverse experience as a coach, and ambition to evolve made him a terrific fit here with us in Portland.”
