Timbers get busy with coaching move

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The Portland Timbers are treading water again, this time with their head coach.

Portland introduced Phil Neville as head coach Monday, much to the chagrin of plenty of fans on social media.

Neville, who made a solid name for himself in England during 19 years as a player at the top level, coached England's national team to a semifinal appearance in the 2019 World Cup. He also coached for two seasons at InterMiami before being removed in midseason - the point Messi arrived.

He becomes the team's fourth regular head coach, following Giovanni Savarese, who left in midseason. Portland missed the playoffs for the first time since Savarase took over in 2018. Savarese led the Timbers to MLS finals appearances in '18 and 2021.