Timbers and coach Phil Neville part ways after disappointing start to MLS season

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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Timbers announced Monday that they have mutually parted ways with coach Phil Neville after two-plus seasons.

The move comes following Portland's 3-1 loss at home to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night. The Timbers are 4-8-2 this season and sitting in 13th place in Major League Soccer's Western Conference.

Neville finished with a 27-31-24 record at the helm of the Timbers after joining the team ahead of the 2024 season. In a statement, Neville thanked the Timbers' front office, players and supporters.

“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,” Neville said. "Keep getting behind the players and the club in this wonderful city. I will miss you all.”

Before he was hired by the Timbers, the former Manchester United defender was coach at Inter Miami, where he finished 35-42-13. Neville also coached the England women's national team at the 2019 Women's World Cup.

With the Timbers, Neville replaced Giovanni Savarese, who led the team to the MLS playoffs in four of his five-plus seasons in Portland.

“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,” owner Merritt Paulson said. “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.”

The search for a replacement is underway. Portland did not immediately name an interim coach because MLS currently is on hiatus for an international break and the men's World Cup starting June 11.

In addition to his lengthy playing career in the Premier League with Manchester United and Everton, Neville also appeared in 59 matches for England’s national team, playing in three European championships.

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