New England Women head coach Phil Neville has opened up about controversial tweets that he posted six years ago.
The former Manchester United and Everton star has been accused of being sexist after historical messages were uncovered following his recent appointment.
The 41-year-old was named as the England Women coach last week despite not having any previous experience in a senior management role.
Various tweets from 2012 have since been uncovered, with one in January that year reading: "When I said morning men I thought the women would of been busy preparing breakfast/getting kids ready/making the beds-sorry women!"
Another read: "Relax I'm back chilled - just battered the wife!!! Feel better now!"
A message in December 2012 was also criticised. It read: "U women of always wanted equality until it comes to paying the bills #hypocrites."
Neville has issued an apology for any offence caused and in an attempt to clear up his image, the United graduate has insisted in an interview with Sky Sports News that he was brought up the right way by his parents.
"The words that I used in 2011 and 2012 were not good as an Everton captain, as a Premier League player, as a father, and they're not right now," the former footballer told the broadcaster.
"I think people who know me, that have been around my company, that are part of my family, that have watched me for 41 years, know that it is not a true reflection of my character, and the way that I was brought up by my parents."
While clarifying the 'battered wife' post, Neville said: "It was that particular wording that disappointed me more than any of them, because it obviously relates to domestic violence.
"That tweet wasn't sent out as a joke to domestic violence. It was in a period where I was on holiday with my wife, it relates to something I was doing with my wife in terms of a sporting, competitive nature. But it's not right, the wording of the tweet wasn't right, and I'm disappointed that I used that terminology in 2011."
Neville has succeeded Mark Sampson, who was sacked by the Football Association in September last year for "inappropriate and unacceptable" behaviour.
Danielle Joynson
