Phil Neville: Portland Timbers part company with boss

Portland Timbers have confirmed that they have parted company with head coach Phil Neville by mutual consent.

Neville’s final match in charge was Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to San Jose Earthquakes that left the Timbers third from bottom in the Western Conference, eight points adrift of an automatic MLS play-offs spot.

Speaking on Monday, Neville, 49, thanked all those involved with the club for his time in Oregon but conceded that he had failed to deliver the results required this term.

“I realise we are in a results business, and the results haven’t been to the expectation of this football club,” Neville said.

The former England and Manchester United defender joined the Portland Timbers in 2023 five months after being dismissed by Inter Miami.

He was also previously in charge of the England women’s team, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.

And while the club set a new scoring record and he led the Timbers into the play-offs in his first two seasons at the helm – before losing in the opening round and the first round respectively – the timing of this decision arrives with the league heading into a break for the World Cup.

Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy, added: “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.

“This off-season 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.”