Neville boost as America’s fitness guru joins staff

THE Football Association have pulled off a major coup by appointing Dawn Scott to be the new head of sports science and fitness for England’s women.

Scott is regarded as the leading figure in her field within the women’s game and has been an instrumental figure behind the scenes in helping the United States become back-to-back world champions, as well as Olympic gold medallists in 2012.

Phil Neville, England’s head coach, is understood to be ecstatic that the FA have been able to get a deal over the line to land Scott and he believes she will have a transformative effect on the fortunes of a team that has struggled since this summer’s World Cup.

The FA were able to take advantage of a period of transition within the United States — Jill Ellis, their head coach, has just left — and, after weeks of negotiations, Scott will begin her role working out of St George’s Park on January 1.

It is a homecoming for Scott, who was born in South Shields and was once a Newcastle United season ticket holder. She has worked with the FA before and held the title of head of sports science from 2001 to 2010 but she returns with the women’s game now booming.

The importance of what this means for Neville should also not be understated. He has been under pressure since leading England to the World Cup semi-finals, following a run of five defeats in seven games — including the demoralising 2-1 defeat by Germany at Wembley last Saturday.

Many believed his 22-month reign as manager was approaching its end but Neville, whose side beat the Czech Republic 3-2 on Thursday, has met with FA officials and been given assurances he remains the man they want to take the team to Euro 2021.

Neville has long wanted to work with Scott and the fact the FA have been able to conclude a deal is an indication of how much they support him.

It is expected the governing body will make an announcement to confirm the appointment within 48 hours.