Former England international Phil Neville has departed his role as head coach of Major League Soccer (MLS) club Portland Timbers by mutual consent. The decision was confirmed by the club, bringing an end to Neville's tenure after less than a year in charge of the Oregon-based side.
Neville, who took the helm in November 2023, faced a difficult period with the Timbers, who currently sit at the lower end of the MLS Western Conference standings. His appointment last year followed a spell as manager of Inter Miami, a club co-owned by his former Manchester United and England teammate David Beckham. Prior to his move to the United States, Neville also had a notable coaching role as manager of the England women's national team, leading them to a fourth-place finish at the 2019 World Cup.
The Timbers' recent form has seen them struggle to gain momentum in the highly competitive MLS. The club, which has a strong fanbase and a history of success, including an MLS Cup victory in 2015, will now begin the search for a new head coach to turn around their fortunes. This marks another chapter in Neville's coaching career, which has predominantly been based in the US since his move across the Atlantic.
His departure from Portland Timbers highlights the often-volatile nature of management in professional football, where results and league position frequently dictate the longevity of a coach's role. The club's statement indicated that the parting was amicable, suggesting a mutual understanding of the need for a change in direction as they aim to improve their standing in the league.