PHIL NEVILLE is set to be appointed as coach of the Team GB women’s football team at the Olympics, according to reports.
The ex-Manchester United star has been open about his ambition to coach an Olympic side at Tokyo 2020 after his leaving his England post.
Phil Neville is due to become coach of Team GB’s women’s football teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Times has revealed that Neville, who led the Lionesses to the Women’s World Cup semis in 2019, will coach the Team GB Women’s side at the rescheduled games in 2021.
And the paper claims the former Everton ace will be announced as the team’s new boss next month following a lengthy hold-up caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Neville had initially attempted to pour cold water on his chances of managing a Team GB side and claimed he did not know if he would be given an opportunity.
At England’s November training camp, Neville said: “I don’t know if it is going to be me.
“I said in the last camp that I expected the decision to be imminent and I still think that.
“Hopefully it’ll happen soon and the players can concentrate on who is the boss of Team GB and there can be total clarity.”
Neville’s job as Britain’s women’s Olympic football coach is expected to be his final post within the women’s game.
The Lionesses boss is set to be replaced by Netherlands manager Sarina Wiegman when he steps down from this current role in July 2021.
And Wiegman, regarded as the most successful managers of a Netherlands national team, will also be coaching the Dutch women’s side at the Tokyo Olympics.
The Times says the FA had hoped to publicly reveal Neville’s job move as early as October.
However, logistical challenges, changes to publicity activity and travel rule changes are thought to have complicated Neville’s switch.
Britain’s Olympic women’s football team was first assembled ahead of the London 2012 games.
Team GB reached the quarter-finals of the women’s football tournament at London 2012 Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The side reached the quarter-finals of the event before suffering a 2-0 loss to Canada.
It was thought the team’s participation in the games that year would be a one-off.
However, an agreement between the home nations in October 2018 led to the decision that the team would compete in Tokyo 2020.
Lionesses in training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
