PHIL FEELS

The newly-appointed England Lionesses boss has come underM17 Subheadfire right lc awaylight over his sexist tweets and lack of coaching experience.. so is he the right man for the job?

YES

says The Mirror’s Rachel Brown-finnis A WINNER with Manchester United and a man able to sustain the progress of England’s women.

With so few candidates keen on the job, Phil Neville’s supporters remain convinced his hunger and background make him perfect for the role.

Former England goalkeeper and Mirror columnist Rachel Brown finnis (right) said: “It’s such a shame this appointment has been overshadowed by some tweets taken out of context.

“Having met Neville I didn’t really pay much attention to the tweets because I‘ve already made my own judgement on the person he is.

“While I can understand they can be portrayed as sexist when taken out of context, it shouldn’t have any bearing on his new position, especially as he has apologised.

“I know the girls will just be focused on football. They’ve been at a training camp in La Manga this week and he’s been over there getting to know them. They will all be excited about it.

“I don’t think they will let it overshadow what’s a very good appointment for the game. Plenty has been said about his lack of management and experience in the women’s game but his experience in the game as a player is unparalleled compared with anyone involved with the women’s game before.”

England women’s rugby captain Sarah Hunter added: “I don’t think it matters. I think you should be the coach you are and not try to change to suit a different gender.”

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: “Questioning Phil Neville the manager I understand.

“That’s fair even though I think he will do a fantastic job .. But questioning the person !!!! I find totally unfair .. I haven’t met a more hard working humble guy across my 28 yrs in Pro sport”.

The recruitment process was led by Baroness Sue Campbell. About 145 candidates were reduced to 47. It is understood Neville was not among them and did not apply.

Six were interviewed, and four stayed in the running. External candidates were told background checks would be made and it is believed two, both women, withdrew. The third passed checks, then pulled out, as did the only other applicant.

The FA returned to the other two on the short list, who declined. Baroness Campbell then turned to Neville. “We will build a brilliant team around him,” she said. “His enthusiasm, passion and desire for the role impressed us all.”

NO

says The Women’s Sports Trust THE QUESTIONS have not only been asked by the professionally offended.

The Women’s Sports Trust – which features women’s football legend Kelly Smith (right) as one of its patrons – led the backlash against Phil Neville’s appointment as England women’s head coach in a damning statement, insisting the appointment had been a “kick in the teeth” for aspiring coaches.

It said: “It is disappointing that the FA have opted for a coach who has no experience of the women’s game or working with female footballers.

“This feels like a kick in the teeth to the team who are at the top of their game and performing so well. It shows scant regard for the coaching pathway that others have to progress through in order to make it to the top.

“To see a high-profile, former professional footballer virtually parachuted into such a significant role in football, without the level of experience required, will be a blow to hundreds of football coaches, both male and female, currently working towards their badges at all levels.”

Former England defender Danny Mills offered a typically uncompromising view. “What has happened to the FA player pathway?” asked the former England full-back. “St George’s Park was supposed to promote from within.

“Phil has never been a No.1 anywhere else before. He’s now going into a team that’s third in the world. How can he just jump above everybody else?”

David Ginola, the former Spurs and France winger, expressed his concern that the FA had not done their due diligence.

Referring to Neville’s controversial Twitter comments, the

TALKSPORT presenter said: “How can you appoint someone that said something like that? I do not understand that.”

Ex-england keeper, Pauline Cope-bonas, weighed in even more heavily on the former Manchester United defender, who has managed just one game – as coach of Salford City – the club he co-owns. Cope-bonas said: “He got it because of his name. He’s never worked within the women’s game. It is different.

“We deal with emotional things, women have women’s problems, monthly problems, relationship problems.“

Labour MP Stephen

Pound said: “For Phil to take over the Lionesses with that sort of Twitter history, it is really not the time, nor the place.”

This is a very good appointment for the game This feels like a real kick in the teeth to the team