Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville has been appointed as Valencia manager until the end of the season, joining his brother Phil who has been assistant manager at the La Liga side since July.
The defender-turned-pundit has left his current role at Sky Sports with immediate effect but will carry on his duties under Roy Hodgson as assistant manager for England.
Gary Neville Appointed Valencia Manager
The new Valencia boss said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia.”
“Valencia are a huge football club of immense standing and I know from my time as a player the passion and dedication of the Valencia fans.
“I am really looking forward to working with the club’s talented group of players and am excited about the challenge ahead.” (Sky Sports)
With the shock news, many English fans may be concerned over his commitments for the National side, but Hodgson explains: “Gary’s commitment to the FA’s preparations for Euro 2016 will not be in any way affected by the fact that he will be coaching abroad during the next five months.”
“As far as I’m concerned, this will be an extra string to his bow and the experience he will gain working in the Spanish league can only be beneficial to our work together with the England team.” (BBC)
Valencia president Layhoon Chan, who has a stake in Salford City which is partly owned by Gary and Phil Neville, stated:
‘We are delighted to have secured Gary so quickly. He combines top level coaching experience through his role as a senior coach with the England national team and a world-class playing career with England and Manchester United.
“Throughout his career Gary has always shown great leadership both on and off the pitch. He is hugely respected in English football and it was his personal qualities which persuaded us that he was the right choice to lead Valencia until the end of the season.” (Sky Sports)
Gary will take charge for the first time against Lyon in the Champions League next Wednesday, whilst his brother will take charge for the weekend’s clash against Barcelona at the Mestalla Stadium.
