6 months ago
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PHIL NEVILLE has been named new Portland Timbers boss – and claims it reminds him of Manchester.
Nev got his wish of an MSL return, five months after ex-Old Trafford team-mate David Beckham sacked him at Inter Miami.
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David Beckham took the difficult decision to sack pal Phil Neville, replacing him with ex-Barcelona manager Gerardo MartinoAFPThe former Lionesses manager, 46, was also linked with New England Revolution.
But having been axed by Miami just before legends like Lionel Messi arrived, he’s found a club he insists rekindles golden memories.
The ex-England full-back said: “I am massively excited about the challenge ahead.
“From the very first moment I met the staff I knew it was the right opportunity for me, the right club for me and the right city for me.
“The fans are the most important part of this football club with their intensity and support, and I think this journey is going to be something special.”
Nev added: “I have great memories visiting Portland, which reminds me of Manchester, my hometown, and I can’t wait for my family to get to know this beautiful city.”
Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy is “thrilled” to lure the ex-Everton star, whose last job was as assistant boss of the Canadian national team.
Grabavoy said: “We look forward to making Phil and his family feel at home in Portland.
‘Phil’s character makes him the right person to lead this team forward as we continue to reshape the group with a goal of returning to sustained success.
“His leadership qualities, diverse experience as a coach, and ambition to evolve made him a terrific fit here with us in Portland.”
Neville will take over Oregon club Portland for the 2024 campaign after they finished tenth of 14 teams in this year’s MLS Western Conference.
He succeeds former Millwall striker Giovanni Savarese, 52, who was ousted by the Timbers in the middle of last term after six years in charge.
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