GARY NEVILLE HAS been appointed as Valencia’s head coach until the end of the season.
The former Manchester United captain has been involved with the England international side as part of Roy Hodgson’s backroom staff but has no previous managerial experience.
His younger brother Phil has been part of the coaching team at the La Liga side since July and was handed increased responsibility this week due to the resignation of former boss Nuno last Sunday.
He will assist Salvador ‘Voro’ Gonzalez tonight when the club face Barakaldo and at the weekend, when Valencia face the current domestic and European champions Barcelona on Saturday.
Neville will officially take charge the following day, with his first game in charge being the Champions League assignment against Lyon in a week’s time.
According to the FA, Neville will continue his coaching role with the England team in tandem with his position at Valencia.
“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”, said Hodgson in an official statement.
Singapore businessman Peter Lim is the Valencia owner and also carries a 50% stake in Salford City – the non-league side part-owned by Neville and a collection of other former United players including his younger sibling, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
Valencia are currently 8th in the Spanish league table.
Since retiring from football in 2011, the 40-year-old has been heavily involved in the football media and signed with Sky Sports as a pundit and analyst. His partnership with Jamie Carragher has been lauded by many – their tactical segments on Monday Night Football becoming essential viewing.
He has also been a columnist for The Daily Telegraph.
Neville is due to speak to the press at Valencia’s Mestella stadium on Thursday afternoon.
