Valencia hand Gary Neville first managing opportunity

Former England defender to leave TV job with Sky as he receives his first managing opportunity in Primera Liga.

England manager Roy Hodgson, right, says Gary Neville's opportunity to manage Valencia will only help in his role as a coach for England. Gareth Copley / Getty Images

Gary Neville will make his first foray into management at Valencia, a surprise appointment that Roy Hodgson says will not affect his work as part of the England coaching team.

News that the former Manchester United defender would take the reins at the Primera Liga club for the remainder of the campaign sent shock waves around the footballing world.

Neville has become an acclaimed pundit at Sky Sports since retiring during the 2010/11 season. He is also a key coach in the England set-up.

Management has long been an ambition, and that chance comes in the unlikely surroundings of Valencia, where the former right-back will work alongside brother Phil having been handed the reins at the Mestalla until the end of the campaign.

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“I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia,” Neville said in a statement on Valencia’s website.

“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.”

Neville will be introduced at a 7pm (UAE) news conference on Thursday, when the new Valencia coach will speak alongside club president Layhoon Chan.

Sunday will be his first official day in charge, meaning brother Phil and interim boss Salvador “Voro” Gonzalez were in charge for last night’s Copa del Rey trip to Barakaldo and will stay at the reins for Saturday’s Primera Liga clash with leaders Barcelona.

The new role means Neville has left his role as an analyst with Sky Sports with immediate effect, although the English Football Association has confirmed he will continue in his role as England coach.

In fact, England coach Hodgson said Neville’s appointment at Valencia will benefit the national team.

“I’m delighted that Gary has decided to take this excellent opportunity,” he said.

“It’s the right moment in time for him and I’m 100 per cent behind his decision to join Valencia as the new head coach.

“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.”

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