Ferguson tips ‘leader’ Neville to succeed at Valencia

Former Manchester United player Gary Neville poses for photographers on the red carpet at the world premiere of “Ronaldo” at Leicester Square in London, Britain November 9, 2015.

“He is diligent, hard working and talented and I’m delighted he is here to be part of the coaching set-up”, said Neville.

Neville has worked as a media pundit since retiring in 2011 and England’s Football Association said he will also continue working alongside national coach Hodgson as their squad prepares for Euro 2016 in France.

Asked if he had any concerns that Neville’s new commitments in Spain might have any kind of negative effect on the Ammies, Johnson said: “No, I don’t think so. If I’d have turned down this job I’d have said goodbye to my credibility”.

The 40-year-old, an eight-time victor of the English Premier League and key member of the Manchester United side that won the league, FA Cup and Champions League treble in 1999, was unveiled at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium on Thursday as the club’s new coach, replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.

“In Spain, the football is different”. “It is a huge club of vast prestige and I remember well from my time as a player the great passion and loyalty of their fans”.

Gary Neville has said the opportunity of becoming the manager of Valencia was too good to pass up, while also confirming his brother, Phil, will be among his coaches at the La Liga club.

“Roy (Hodgson) was incredibly supportive, positive and enthusiastic for me”. I can’t work that way.

Although Neville’s immediate deal is short-term, he is adopting a long-term view.

“The only way to approach it is as a permanent job, even though the contract is only until June”, he said. We will appoint people from within.

“My family will move over here permanently – my girls will finish school in two weeks and will move to Valencia with my wife”.

They are struggling in the Champions League, lying in third place in Group H with six points from five games and only the match at home to Olympique Lyonnais next week to play. “But I have confidence in myself and my understanding of the game and my belief is strong”.

On the Mestalla atmosphere – “I understand from playing here the atmosphere and intimidation that you get from the fans and I want to harness that”. I don’t believe in any other way of doing things. “We haven’t got a pre-season”.

“It’s important to pick the right team irrespective of style”.

The Singaporean businessman has ties to the Neville brothers through Salford City, which he owns a 50 per cent stake in with the rest split between Gary, Phil, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

With billionaire owner Peter Lim instrumental behind Neville’s appointment, there is every chance the Mancunian will be backed financially in the January transfer window, and what chance he raids his beloved Manchester United for some talent?