Gary Neville's Valencia press conference - as it happened
Follow the latest events as the Manchester United legend is unveiled as the new manager of Valencia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Welcome to our live coverage of Gary Neville's unveiling as Valencia manager.
Yesterday's announcement that the Manchester United legend was joining the La Liga side on a contract until the end of the season shocked the football world. Today, further details on how the appointment came about and what Neville hopes to achieve in his first management role become clear.
- Neville has been appointed on a contract until the end of the season
- He will continue in his role as England assistant manager
- Association with Sky Sports comes to an end
- The reaction suggests viewers are devestated
- Alex Ferguson has offered his view on Neville's appointment
- Neville's first game in charge is against Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday
- Valencia fans will give him little time to bed in
Follow live coverage of the press conference, which started at 3pm (GMT)...
What they said yesterday...
Gary Neville...
"I am excited and I am proud to have received this huge opportunity with Valencia Football Club. 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. "
"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."
The FA...
"The FA has welcomed the news that England Senior Men's Coach Gary Neville has been appointed Head Coach for Valencia Club de Futbol.
"Neville will continue his work with England Manager Roy Hodgson and Coach Ray Lewington as the England squad prepare for Euro 2016 in France."
Hodgson said: “I'm delighted that Gary has decided to take this excellent opportunity. It's the right moment in time for him and I'm 100 per cent behind his decision to join Valencia as the new head coach.
“As far as I’m concerned, this will be an extra string to his bow and the experience he will gain working in the Spanish league can only be beneficial to our work together with the England team.
“Gary’s commitment to The FA’s preparations for Euro 2016 will not be in any way affected by the fact that he will be coaching abroad during the next five months.
"As someone who has spent a large part of my coaching career working abroad, I salute his decision and hope he gains as much from his time in Spain as I have done from the various countries which I have worked.
"Like the rest of the England coaching staff, Gary will be fully committed to preparing for the Euros in France and our friendly matches which begin in March against Germany and Holland.
"I wish him and his brother Phil the very best of luck as they prepare for their first match versus Lyon in the Champions League."
Sky Sports (which announced Neville was leaving his punditry role with 'immediate effect')...
Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis: "We wish Gary all the very best as he returns to football with our blessing and begins his managerial career with Valencia.
"He will always be a friend of Sky Sports and we look forward to following the next chapter of his career closely, not least during our weekly La Liga coverage. And of course, the door will always be open should he wish to return."
Gary Neville said in the Sky statement: “Sky has probably been one of the best decisions I have ever made, simply an incredible job that I have loved doing. The team that I have worked with on match days and MNF have been simply unbelievable, their knowledge of the game, their passion, their work ethos has made me love football more.
“No one understands football better than Sky Sports, so it has been no surprise that they have fully supported and understood the decision that I have made to go to Valencia for the next five months.”
Valencia president Chan Lay Hoon...
"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."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments