Phil Neville | Timbers Head Coach
Phil Neville joins the club on Nov. 6, 2023, with six years of head coach experience at the senior level between his time in MLS and on the international stage, following a 19-year career as a distinguished player in England’s Premier League and England Men’s National Team. Most recently, Neville formed part of the Canadian Men’s National Team technical staff as an assistant coach during the team’s participation in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League Final and the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Neville was appointed as head coach of Inter Miami CF ahead of the club’s second MLS season in 2021, leading them through two-plus MLS campaigns until his departure midway through 2023. In 2022, Neville and Miami finished sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a mark of 14-14-6 (48 pts), earning a postseason berth and the team’s best finish to date. Â
Prior to coaching in MLS, Neville was selected as the England Women’s National Team head coach in January of 2018. At the helm of the Lionesses, Neville’s side won the 2019 SheBelieves Cup and led the team to an undefeated 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualification run before placing fourth in the tournament. Additionally, Neville had spells as an assistant coach for La Liga side Valencia CF (2015-16), Premier League side Manchester United (2013-14) and the England U21 Men’s National Team (2012-13).
As a player, Neville enjoyed a stellar 19-year career as a defender at Manchester United and Everton FC. The England international made his professional debut with Manchester United in 1995. Playing with the Red Devils, Neville recorded 381 appearances in all competitions, helping the team win six Premier League championships, three FA Cups and one UEFA Champions League title. Notably, Neville and Manchester United won the treble (Champions League, FA Cup, Premier League) in the 1998-99 season. After playing 11 seasons at Manchester United under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson (1995-2005), Neville joined Everton FC in 2005 and went on to make 303 appearances in all competitions, captaining the team through eight seasons.
Internationally, Neville tallied 59 appearances for the England Men’s National Team. He made five appearances in two different UEFA Euro tournaments (2000, 2004) and four appearances in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (1998, 2001) with the Three Lions. Neville made his senior international debut against China on May 23, 1996. He also featured in England’s U-16, U-18 and U-21 teams. Â
A native of Bury, England, Neville is married to Julie Neville, and is father to Harvey and Isabella Neville.