Man Utd legend was told to take Valencia job by Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Hodgson



Neville joins his brother at Valencia in what will be his first managerial role



GARY NEVILLE admitted he was excited at the challenge that faces him at Valencia after taking over as manager – but insisted he will do it his way.

 

Neville, 40, has been placed in charge until the end of this season, and will take control of his first match when the Spanish side host Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Brother Phil and coach Miguel Angel Angula will take charge of the team that will take on Barcelona on Saturday.

Neville admitted he had talked to his old Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and to England chief Roy Hodgson before accepting the job – and both had urged him to take it.

 

Former England defender Neville, who is giving up his job as a Sky Tv pundit to concentrate on his job at the Mestalla.

Neville said: “I’m incredibly excited to be here. I understand and respect the huge respsonsibility that I have been given. I understand through playing here many years ago the passion and intimidation of the fans here – and I intend to try to recreate that with the players againin the coming months.

“I won’t be making any short decisions here. That is not the way I work. I will be making long term decisions.

 

“I would not insult a club like Valencia by saying that I am going to come over and start playing like Manchester United. Every coach wants to play exciting attacking football. But we have to find a way to win and that will be my biggest challenge.

“I will not be taking a dictatorial approach. If Phil was not here I would have wanted him to be here.

“We have not talked about new players. Talking about any players other than those that are here disgusts me. They are wearing the shirt and they deserve a chance.  I’m aware of the demands. And if I fall below them I know I will not be here.”