Longtime Premier League star Phil Neville ‘parts ways’ with MLS club after two seasons

Former Manchester United and Everton defender Phil Neville’s latest managerial chapter has come to an end after roughly two and a half years, with the 49-year-old ‘mutually parting ways’ with the MLS’s Portland Timbers.

During his time in charge, Neville won 33 games, tied 26, and lost 36, finishing ninth in the Western Conference in 2024 and eighth a year later.

In 2024, the Timbers were knocked out of the MLS Cup Playoffs in the Wild Card round via a 5-0 defeat by the Vancouver Whitecaps. The following season, they returned to win their Wild Card encounter with Real Salt Lake 3-1 before being knocked out in the following round across three legs by San Diego FC.

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Neville leaves Providence Park with the Timbers 14th in the Western Conference, off back-to-back losses and with a 4-2-8 record, heading into the FIFA World Cup break.

In a statement, team owner Merritt Paulson said, “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.

“Phil has outstanding leadership qualities and a boundless sense of positivity even in the face of adversity. I cannot thank Phil enough for his tireless dedication to this club and the Portland community, which he and his family truly embraced.”

General manager Ned Grabavoy also thanked Neville for his work, saying, “We are appreciative of Phil’s commitment and efforts during his time with the Portland Timbers.

“Phil brought enthusiasm and passion to the role, and it was a pleasure to work with him. We wish Phil all the best in his next opportunity.

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“This offseason we had pointed discussions about the areas we needed to build on and improve. Ultimately, we have not seen the progress we’ve needed to, and, most importantly, results have fallen well short of expectations.”

Neville’s replacement has not yet been named, with the team stating that “Any interim coaching decisions will be made in concert with the timing of the head coach hire.”

As for the former England international, who has previously managed the England women's national team as well as David Beckham's Inter Miami, he also put on record his gratitude for the Timbers’ staff and fans, stating, “I'd like to thank Merritt Paulson, Ned Grabavoy, and the entire Portland family for their unwavering support in giving me the job and standing behind me.

“To my staff, thank you for your incredible loyalty and hard work. And to the most incredible bunch of players: thank you for the effort, the good times, the good results, the bad results, and all the laughs we shared together.

“I realize we are in a results business, and the results haven't been to the expectation of this football club. To the Timbers Army — you are the reason I felt inspired to try and bring success to this club. Keep getting behind the players and the club in this wonderful city. I will miss you all.”