January 25 – It was supposed to be a new dawn free of controversy. But the appointment of former England international Phil Neville as the new coach of the national women’s team has hardly got off to the best start.
Neville was appointed this week in succession to Mark Sampson who was sacked in September following evidence of “inappropriate and unacceptable” behaviour with female players in a previous role.
But no sooner had he landed the post than he attracted criticism for remarks he posted on Twitter in 2012.
The ex-Manchester United defender suggested in one tweet that women would be too “busy making breakfast/getting kids ready” to read his messages.
Neville apologised by saying his comments were not “a true and genuine reflection of either my character or beliefs” and his remarks have not been deemed sufficiently out of order for the English FA to take action.
But English FA chief executive Martin Glenn said Neville, who signed a contract with England until 2021, would be warned about his conduct.
“Phil will be educated on all aspects of the FA’s regulatory functions and his responsibilities,” Glenn said. “He will also be warned that any future comments that are deemed to cross the charging threshold will be treated with the utmost seriousness and may lead to disciplinary action.”
Of more controversy, perhaps, is the fact that Neville has no management experience in the women’s game and he reportedly didn’t apply for the position, but got the job ahead of a number of highly qualified female candidates who were overlooked.
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