Due diligence on Phil Neville could not save FA from another PR mess | Martha Kelner

The governing body’s awareness of questionable tweets when it appointed him has exacerbated the current controversy

The Football Association, as we know, is keen to learn from its mistakes. One of the major criticisms during the Mark Sampson farrago was that it did not undertake due diligence before hiring. You cannot accuse the governing body of such a lack of curiosity this time.

A thorough reconnaissance mission was undertaken before appointing Phil Neville as Sampson’s successor, apparently extending to scrolling several years back through his tweets. A series of ill-judged attempts at humour emerge. During one exchange with his sister, Tracey, Neville remarks: “u women of always wanted equality until it comes to paying the bills #hypocrites.” Another time he suggests women should be busy in the kitchen and getting the kids ready in the morning. In 2011 Neville tweets: “Relax I’m back chilled – just battered the wife!!! Feel better now!”

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