FA hits back at Kick It Out's 'serious concerns' over appointment of Philip Neville as England Women manager

Neville was named in the role by the FA on Tuesday, amid controversy over crass historic jokes he tweeted which resurfaced this week

‘Phil went through a comprehensive interview and assessment process ... His appointment was approved by the FA Board,’ said CEO Martin Glenn (Getty)

The Football Association (FA) has hit back at Kick It Out’s “serious concerns” over the appointment of Philip Neville as England Women’s head coach, detailing a blow-by-blow account of the recruitment process in which several leading candidates turned down the role before the FA turned to the 41-year-old.

Mr Neville was named in the role by the FA on Tuesday, amid controversy over crass historical tweets which resurfaced this week. One read: “Relax I’m back chilled – just battered the wife!!! Feel better now!” Mr Neville has apologised and his account has now been deleted.

Kick It Out, an organisation dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion in football, released a statement on Wednesday morning which said Mr Neville’s appointment “raises more questions than answers”.

“Kick It Out have serious concerns over a recruitment process that has resulted in the appointment of someone with no record of management of experience in women’s football,” CEO Roisin Wood’s statement read.

“In light of recent action taken in response to historical social media comments made by current football participants, the question must now be asked – will the FA be charging Neville for posting discriminatory comments on social media?”

The FA responded with an open letter to Ms Wood by its CEO Martin Glenn, which stated that a “global” search for the new England manager was led by the FA’s director of women’s football, Sue Campbell. It produced 145 candidates, which was reduced to a long-list of 47, which was further narrowed to six – two of whom were female.

This list reduced was to four but three withdrew for personal reasons before the fourth also decided against taking the role. Unable to find a suitable applicant willing to fill the position, the FA turned to Neville.

“Efforts to return to the other candidates proved unsuccessful for [personal] reasons,” read the FA’s statement. “At this stage Sue identified Phil as a potential candidate due to his position as a Pro-licence holder on the FA’s Player to Coach programme. She was immediately impressed by his technical expertise, his outstanding leadership and his desire for the role.

“Phil went through a comprehensive interview and assessment process ... including background vetting, psychometric testing and a full technical assessment. His appointment was approved by the FA Board.”

Mr Glenn added that Mr Neville had chosen to close his Twitter account on his accord, and will be warned about his future comments.