England women's team gives Phil Neville 1st chance in full-time management
Phil Neville was appointed head coach of the England women's team on Tuesday, despite managing just one match since finishing his playing career in 2013.
The former Manchester United and Everton full-back manned the dugout once for Salford City - the non-league outfit he part-owns - but held a coaching position at United, and assisted his brother Gary for an ill-fated spell at Valencia.
He succeeds interim boss Mo Marley, an experienced coach who was given a clean-up job following Mark Sampson's controversial reign.
"I am honoured to be given the chance to lead England," Neville told the FA's website.
"With the new coaching team we are putting in place, we can help the players build on their great progress in recent years. This squad is on the verge of something special and I believe I can lead them to the next level."
Neville's appointment has been met with indignation in some corners. Last week, the Guardian's Marina Hyde wrote: "I suppose it's one form of positive discrimination - the FA has refused to let Neville be held back by the fact he has never managed a football team, or by the fact he didn't apply for the job."
The idea of hiring Neville reportedly came up when a sports broadcaster suggested it in a "light-hearted manner" during a drinks reception.
Neville is contracted in his new post until the conclusion of the 2021 UEFA Women's Championship campaign.