We didn’t see this coming.
Gary Neville has been named as head coach of Valencia until the end of the season.
The England coach and Sky Sports pundit will step in as head coach until the end of the current campaign following the departure of Nuno Espírito Santo at the weekend.
Salvador González ‘Voro’ had been appointed as interim coach with Gary’s brother Phil as his assistant following Nuno’s departure.
Neville will officially take charge on Sunday, the day after Valencia’s clash with Barcelona and before their Champions League clash with Lyon on Wednesday. He will continue his role on Roy Hodgson’s coaching team with England.
COMUNICADO OFICIAL | @GNev2 -> https://t.co/zFJoNcfDrT #BenvingutGaryNeville pic.twitter.com/bMtYn97CJU
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf) December 2, 2015
Commenting on Neville’s appointment, Valencia CF President Layhoon Chan said: “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.”
Gary Neville said: “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.
“I am really looking forward to working with the club’s talented group of players and am excited about the challenge ahead.”
