Events at Valencia CF took a further turn for the bizarre as former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was announced as their new head coach, just days after his brother Phil was named as interim boss at the Mestalla.
Valencia, currently ninth in La Liga, parted company with manager Nuno Santo on Sunday night following a drop in form and significant disagreements with club owner Peter Lim.
Following Santo’s exit, his assitants Phil Neville and Salvador Gonzalez were placed in temporary charge of first team affairs, however following today’s announcement the goal posts have moved once more.
Gary, Phil’s senior by two years, enjoyed a glittering playing career alongside his brother at United, winning six domestic titles together.
However Gary’s move to Spain is the first time the pair will have worked together regularly since their time at Old Trafford.
Phil joined Valencia in July, and has received high praise from within the Spanish game for his speedy adaptation to both language and the role.
Gary, meanwhile has been operating a No.2 to Roy Hodgson with the England national team set up, a role he is to continue, and providing some pretty forthright views as part of his punditry work for Sky Sports.
Despite his managerial inexperience, Gary has a highly respected standing within European football and the move continues the business relationship already held both Neville brothers and Mr Lim.
Alongside his role at Valencia, Lim is also a 50 per cent stakeholder in English non-league side Salford City, having bought the share from United Class of ’92, which includes the Neville brothers, along with fellow United legends Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
Valencia host league leaders Barcelona on Saturday, however that game will be under the stewardship of Phil Neville and Gonzalez.
Gary is expected to take charge of his first game next Wednesday, as Lyon travel to Valencia, with the Los Che requiring a win to avoid Champions League elimination.
SM
Guest
Stunned when I saw this on Twitter last night. Gary Neville deserves enormous credit for taking on a job of this magnitude in a foreign land, notwithstanding his relationship with the Valencia owner. Valencia fans are a notoriously fickle lot, so you'd hope he'd hit the ground running. I wish him well. Great player, and great footballing brain. As said above, I don't think he'd have to do particularly well for his next job to be at Old Trafford. As long as it isn't a complete mess a la Coleman and Moyes. I was also going to mention Ryan but I was beaten to it. Should be interesting times.
Brian
Guest
If Neville succeeds no doubt his next job will be at Old Trafford. Risky move for Valencia given Neville has to date coached no-one. They could of had Rafa Benitez if they had waited a few more weeks.
Franko
Guest
Should be good news for Mat Ryan. Jaume Domènech had leap-frogged Ryan from 3rd choice to No 1 until last weekend, when Ryan got a go. Who'd have thought speaking English could be an advantage @Valencia........