England Football Association have announced that Phil Neville will step down as Lionesses manager in summer 2021.
The decision to part company with Neville following next summer’s Olympics comes after the postponement of the Women’s Euros to 2022, which will be held in England with new dates set to be confirmed in the coming months.
A poor run of form with six defeats in their last ten matches since losing to eventual champions – USA at last summer’s Women’s World Cup, is another factor in the decision to release Neville at the end of his contract next July.
Director of Women’s Football, Baroness Sue Campbell confirmed that the agreement for Neville to step down was mutual, saying; “In light of the impact of current global events on the sporting calendar and in the best interests of the England Women’s team, both parties were in agreement that our shared priority was to ensure the Lionesses have continuity of coaching going into the home EURO and looking towards the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
As for the impact on Team GB’s participation in next summer’s Olympics, Campbell confirmed that there will be discussions with other home nations and aren’t in a position to make further comment at present.
Neville meanwhile will continue his work with the Lionesses on the squad development, whilst the FA work on deciding his successor and plan for a revised match calendar once ‘safe and appropriate to do so.’
Speaking about the plans for the next year, Neville praised his “fantastic squad of players…” but admitted that “there is plenty to work on as we look to progress as a team going into 2021.”
Who are Favourites to Take Over?
With confirmation that Neville will depart at the end of his contract next summer, the FA are now set to line up several candidates for the job as they look to build on a successful period for the sport.
One obvious candidate is ex USA manager, Jill Ellis who stood down last October after a five year spell and is currently available without need to pay compensation.
Manchester United Women manager, Casey Stoney is also expected to be amongst the front runners following a spell as part of Neville’s coaching team before joining the Red Devils.
Chelsea Women’s Emma Hayes is also thought to be in the running despite stating her love of managing at club level, alongside Nick Cushing who departed Manchester City Women in February to join New York City as Assistant Coach.
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