Page 6 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.9 2020-21

Phil Neville has stepped down as head coach of England Women
with immediate effect. Neville, who was appointed in January 2018,
had originally announced last April that he would move on this
summer in order to pursue new opportunities, given that the
pandemic-affected international calendar meant the home 2021
UEFA Women's EURO would be delayed by a year to July 2022.
His decision to leave now means The FA will shortly
confirm the name of an interim head coach to lead the Lionesses in
February with Sarina Wiegman assuming the full time role
following the Olympic Games in August. A recruitment process had
already been underway with assistant coach Rehanne Skinner's
departure to join Tottenham Hotspur last November.
Wiegman, named the FIFA women's coach of the year in
December for her work with the Netherlands, was appointed last
August to lead England at the EURO and through the qualification
programme for the 2023 FIFA World Cup. Photo - Julian Barker
FA Director of Women's Football, Baroness Sue Campbell said:
"I want to pay tribute to Phil for his significant contribution during his three years with The FA.
In particular, 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.
"After steadying the ship at a challenging period, he helped us to win the SheBelieves Cup
for the first time, reach the World Cup semi finals and qualify for the Olympics. 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.
"Given the positive ongoing dialogue we have been having with Phil, we will be in a
position to provide an update soon on an interim appointment, as well as provide a further
update on the coaching situation regarding Team GB."
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham said: "Phil can be proud of what he has achieved as
England head coach and I am sure he will continue to progress in future. I wish him well and
thank him for the hard work he put into helping our players and support team be the best they
can be.
"Although he is moving on, I know Phil will remain a champion for women's football and
a supporter of all we are trying to do to grow the game even further. His enthusiasm and energy
will be missed, and he will always be welcome back at St George's Park and Wembley Stadium."
Phil Neville said: "It has been an honour to manage England and I have enjoyed three of
the best years of my career with The FA and the Lionesses.
"The players who wear the England shirt are some of the most talented and dedicated
athletes I have ever had the privilege to work with. They have challenged me and improved me
as a coach, and I am very grateful to them for the fantastic memories we have shared.
"I'd like to thank The FA for the tremendous backing they have given me, in particular
Sue Campbell and my talented support staff whose energy, commitment and enthusiasm has
been crucial to helping us make the progress we have. I wish England Women every success in
the future and look forward to following their journey in the years to come."

England Women have appointed former Norway midfielder Hege Riise and ex-Canadian
international Rhian Wilkinson to their coaching staff. Both have agreed short term contracts
having applied for the assistant coach role made vacant by Rehanne Skinner's move to
Tottenham Hotspur last November.
Issue no. 9 - 4 February 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk