Valencia have named Gary Neville their new coach on a contract running until 30th June 2016.
Neville will officially take charge this coming Sunday, 6th December, when he will begin preparing the team for the crucial Champions League clash at home to Lyon on Wednesday 9th, victory in which would be enough to secure a place in the knockout stages if Gent fail to beat Zenit.
Valencia president Lay Hoon Chan hailed the appointment as a coup: “We are delighted to have secured Gary so quickly. He combines top-level coaching experience through his role as a senior coach with the England national team and a world-class playing career with England and Manchester United”.
“Throughout his career Gary has always shown great leadership both on and off the pitch. He is hugely respected in English football and it was his personal qualities which persuaded us that he was the right choice to lead Valencia until the end of the season”.
The elder Neville, whose brother Phil will serve as his assistant, spoke in gushing terms about his new adventure: “I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia. 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”.
The 40-year-old, who has established a reputation as a first-rate pundit in recent years, also sounded an upbeat note about the Valencia squad’s potential: “I am really looking forward to working with the club’s talented group of players and am excited about the challenge ahead”.
