England netball coach’s dad dies in Sydney

Reports suggest Neville died after suffering a heart attack.

A Bury Football Club spokesman said: “The club has recently received the sad news that former commercial director and Bury stalwart, Neville Neville, has been taken very seriously ill whilst holidaying in Australia with family”.

New Zealand and Jamaica have made early statements but been overshadowed by Tracey Neville and her England side’s win under the most hard of circumstances at the Netball World Cup.

“Our immediate thoughts are with Tracey and the Neville family and we please ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time”, England Netball said in a statement on Friday night.

He was being treated in an unnamed hospital after travelling to Sydney with Tracey for the Netball World Cup. He also acted as an agent for his sons during their playing careers.

After hearing of their father’s heart attack on Friday, Gary and Phil cancelled appointments and flew to Australia to be at his bedside.

Tracey will remain with the England team in Australia for the duration of the World Cup.

Gary Neville in the stands with his father Neville Neville.

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“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to both [them] and their families”. “We ask that she is allowed to concentrate on her role with the team”.

Mr Neville was a former director of League One club Bury and was named as one of their official ambassadors past year.

The website of Forever Bury, a fans’ group that sprang up out of those desperate times, says: “Neville tirelessly organised supporters’ groups, gave media interviews, worked closely with the administrators and finally arranged a deal which would ultimately save the Shakers from extinction. My prayers are with all his family”.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel added his condolences.

Neville Neville, 65, passed away in hospital in Sydney on Friday – the same day as England’s opening match.