Phil Neville leaves Portland Timbers after admitting results did not match expectations | Phil Neville

Phil Neville is no longer in charge of the Portland Timbers after announcing they had “parted ways” with their head coach.

“In my nearly two decades of owning and operating the Portland Timbers, there are very few people I have enjoyed working with as much as Phil Neville,” said Timbers owner Merritt Paulson. “Phil has exceptional leadership qualities and a boundless sense of positivity, even in the face of adversity. I cannot thank Phil enough for his tireless dedication to this club and the Portland community, which he and his family have truly embraced.”

Neville’s final game in charge of the Timbers ended in a 3-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes, which left the team 13th in the MLS Western Conference, well short of a playoff spot. The club made the playoffs in Neville’s first two seasons at the helm – in 2024 and 2025 – losing in the first round and first round respectively. On Monday, Neville admitted he hadn’t taken the team as far as he would have liked.

“I would like to thank Merritt Paulson, Ned Grabavoy and the entire Portland family for their unwavering support in offering me this position and supporting me,” Neville said after his departure was announced. “To my staff, thank you for your incredible loyalty and hard work. And to the most incredible group of players: thank you for the effort, the good times, the good results, the bad results and all the laughs we shared together. I realize we are in a results business, and the results have not lived up to the expectations of this football club. To the Timbers Army – you are the reason why I felt inspired to try and bring success to this club. Continue to support the players and the club in this wonderful city.

Portland was Neville’s second head coaching position in MLS. He was in charge of Inter Miami from 2021 to 2023, his departure shortly before the arrival of Lionel Messi helping to make the club a title contender. He also managed the England women’s team, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.