GARY NEVILLE’S REIGN in charge of Valencia is over after less than four months with the club announcing he is leaving his post as head coach with immediate effect.
The former Manchester United defender was appointed in early December until the end of the current season but departs having won just three league games.
Neville endured a torrid spell in charge at Mestalla, winning just 10 of his 28 matches in all competitions and overseeing exits from both the Copa del Rey and the Europa League.
Protests from supporters had grown in the past week and, with just eight matches remaining in their season, Valencia have chosen to cut short his time in charge and name assistant Pako Ayestaran as coach until the end of the campaign.
“Valencia Football Club have today parted company with Gary Neville as Head Coach,” a statement on the club website reads.
“After careful consideration, the Club have decided to make a change with the best interests of the Valencia CF moving forward this season. We thank Gary for his work at Valencia and wish him the best in the future.
“The Club have, today, appointed Pako Ayestaran as Head Coach until the end of the season.”
Valencia, who are just six points outside the relegation zone, face a key clash with fellow strugglers Las Palmas on Saturday.
“I would like to thank Valencia Football Club, the fans, staff and the players,” Neville said in a statement.
“I would have liked to have continued the work I started but understand that we are in a results business and in the 28 games they have not been to my standards or to those which are required by this club.”
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