Valencia on Wednesday reached an agreement with England assistant coach Gary Neville to take the charge of the Spanish football club’s first team until the end of the current season.
Neville will officially begin his work next Sunday (December 6), ahead of the club’s Champions League match against Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday (December 9) at their home ground – the Mestalla Stadium.
Gary Neville will remain part of England manager’s coaching set-up and will combine his role with being the Valencia head coach.
Valencia president Chan Lay Hoon welcomed the new coach in a statement. “We are delighted to have been able to have Gary as quickly. He is a person who combines technical expertise as part of the coaching staff of the England team and a brilliant playing career at Manchester United and his team.”
“Throughout his career, Gary has always shown a high level of leadership on and off the field. He is greatly respected in the English football and have been these qualities that have convinced us that it is the right choice to lead the team until the end of season.”
Gary Neville, one of the most charismatic players in the history of England, expressed his happiness after the agreement. “I am excited and I am proud to have received this huge opportunity with Valencia. It is a huge club, of immense prestige and I remember well from my time as a player, the passion and loyalty of their fans.”
Neville also wanted to send a message to the potential of the team, “I’m looking forward to working with them, I know it’s a group of very talented players. I am very excited about the challenge that lies ahead together.”