Phil Neville has stepped down as England Lionesses manager with immediate effect, as he becomes the new manager of Inter Miami.
Since taking charge of the Lionesses in January 2018, Neville guided the team to the 2019 SheBelieves Cup title, before finishing fourth at that summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup and qualify for this summer’s Olympics.
Since that tournament, the Lionesses have won just three of their last nine matches in all competitions under Neville.
Speaking on his departure, Neville described his three-year tenure as “an honour” and one which he “enjoyed” working with “some of the most talented and dedicated athletes” that he has ever worked with.
Speaking on how the players have in turned benefitted him, Neville said; “They have challenged me and improved me as a coach and I am very grateful to them for the fantastic memories we have shared.”
Paying tribute to Neville, England’s Director of Women’s Football, Baroness Sue Campbell paid particular praise to his three strongest qualities, saying; “… the commitment, dedication and respect he has shown the position has been clear to see, and I will personally miss our many conversations about ways we can improve and progress.”
Campbell also spoke of how Neville utilised his own legacy to benefit the women’s game, saying; “Given his status as a former Manchester United and England player, he did much to raise the profile of our team. He has used his platform to champion the women’s game, worked tirelessly to support our effort to promote more female coaches and used his expertise to develop many of our younger players.
With Sarina Wiegman unavailable to take up her post as Lionesses’ new manager until September, the FA will appoint a caretaker Head Coach in the coming weeks alongside with an update on who is set to manage Team GB this summer in Tokyo, Japan.
England’s Chief Executive, Mark Bullingham meanwhile admitted that Neville should be “proud of what he has achieved as England head coach” and is confident that the Manchester United legend will continue to progress in the future although “his enthusiasm and energy will be missed”.
Bullingham also hailed Neville as “a champion for women’s football and a supporter of all we are trying to do to grow the game even further.”
Neville Switches to Inter Miami
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Just hours after stepping down from his managerial position in charge of the Lionesses, Neville was announced as the new Inter Miami if he is granted a US Work Visa.
Speaking of how “incredibly delighted” to take up the position, Neville said; “This is a very young club with a lot of promise and upside, and I am committed to challenging myself, my players and everyone around me to grow and build a competitive soccer culture we can all be proud of,”
Neville also spoke of the need for Inter Miami to deliver ‘consistent performances and a winning mentality’ for US Soccer fans.
Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham described Neville as someone with a “deep experience” within football from perspectives of both player then coach at both club and international levels, having worked with top managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Beckham also praised Neville for his managerial attitude, saying; “I know his qualities as a person, his decency, loyalty and honesty – and his incredible energy and work ethic.
“Anyone who has played or worked with Phil knows he is a natural leader, and I believe now is the right time for him to join.”
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