Phil Neville: Portland Timbers fans criticise 'sexist' manager linked with vacancy
- Published
Phil Neville managed Inter Miami for two and a half years
A Portland Timbers fan group say they are "deeply disappointed" the club is linked with manager Phil Neville after his "history of sexist statements".
Neville has been linked with the vacant manager's job at the MLS side after he was sacked by Inter Miami in June.
He apologised for past controversial tweets about women after becoming England women's boss in 2018.
In one tweet, he suggested women would be too "busy making breakfast/getting kids ready" to read his messages.
Speaking at the time, Neville said his comments were not "a true and genuine reflection of either my character or beliefs".
The Timbers Army supporters' club, however, say the 46-year-old "lacks a proven track record as a manager".
"The Portland Timbers are currently rebuilding a team on the pitch in addition to their ongoing efforts to rebuild trust with their fans and the community," said the group in a statement.
"We are deeply disappointed that the club has reportedly settled on a finalist for head coach who has a history of sexist public statements that run counter to our ethos as a club, city and supporters' group, and who also lacks a proven track record as a manager.
"We urge the Timbers to reconsider this hire and re-evaluate other candidates before finalising a contract."
Neville was coach of the Lionesses for three years (2018-2021) before moving to the MLS to take the Miami job.
He left Inter Miami, who are co-owned by Neville's former Manchester United and England team-mate David Beckham, with the club bottom of the Eastern Conference after a run of 10 defeats in 13 games.
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