Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has been named head coach of La Liga side Valencia until the end of this season.
Neville, part of Roy Hodgson’s England back-room team, has spent the majority of his time working as a television pundit since retiring from playing.
The 40-year-old joins his brother and former United and England team-mate Phil at the Mestalla, the latter having been appointed assistant manager at the club in July.
Neville, who quit his role as a pundit with immediate effect but will remain in the England set-up, said he is excited by the chance.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia,” he said.
“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.”
Neville’s former boss at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson, says the ex-full back has the right characteristics to become a successful manager in his own right.
“His leadership skills are strong, he’s honest and he’s hard working,” Ferguson told Sky Sports.
“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.”
Neville will not be in the dug-out when Valencia face La Liga leaders Barcelona this weekend and will instead take charge for the first time in their must-win Champions League home match against Lyon next Wednesday.
Valencia must defeat the already-eliminated Ligue 1 side to have any chance of progressing from Group H.
Valencia are 1.40 to beat Lyon, who are priced at 7.50 with the draw on offer at 4.50.
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