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| Gary Neville has put himself in the frame to be England's new manager after taking over at Valencia |
GARY NEVILLE has put himself in the frame to become the next England coach after sensationally stepping into management with Spanish side Valencia.
The shock appointment stunned football yesterday and sees Neville take over as head coach until the end of the season. He will join brother Phil, who is already on the coaching staff at the Mestalla.
It is Neville's first job in management and his decision to leave Sky Sports where he has excelled as a pundit comes with England coach Roy Hodgson out of contract after Euro 2016 - and with the Manchester United manager's job set to become available when Louis van Gaal's contract expires in 2017.
The former United defender will continue to be part of Hodgson's coaching team, but the Football Association will be minded to consider him especially if he proves successful in La Liga.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia," said Neville, who is set to take the FA's performance analysis manager Andy Scoulding with him to Spain.
"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."
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| Gary Neville has worked alongside Roy Hodgson with England since 2012 |
Hodgson welcomed the move and said: "I'm delighted that Gary has decided to take this excellent opportunity. It's the right moment for him and I'm 100 per cent behind his decision."
Valencia owner Peter Lim also has a 50 per cent stake in Salford City, the non-league club the Nevilles and the rest of United's Class of 92 bought in 2014.
Neville officially starts on Sunday, 24 hours after Valencia host Barcelona, and his first game as head coach will be the must-win Champions League showdown with Lyon.
His appointment has not been universally welcomed in Spain where Singapore billionaire Lim, who has links with the super-agent Jorge Mendes, has seen the optimism which accompanied his takeover fade.
Coach Nuno Espirito Santo departed after last Sunday's defeat to Sevilla and Valencia will unveil Neville later today, with the backing of his old boss and mentor ringing in his ears.
"Gary has many attributes that suggest he will be successful in management. His leadership skills are strong, he's honest and he's hard working," said Sir Alex Ferguson, the only manager Neville played for.
"He is the type of character who is not afraid of making big decisions, which is a vital skill when leading. I think he'll do well and I wish him, and his brother Phil, good luck."
Phil took charge for last night's Copa Del Rey tie against Barakaldo, beside former Valencia player Voro. The pair will also lead the team into Saturday's daunting home La Liga clash with in-form Barcelona before Neville senior takes the reins.
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