Will Gary Neville prove a success at Valencia?

Although ex-Manchester United defender, Gary Neville, and the sunny east coast of Spain don't exactly seem like a realistic match made in heaven – in light of the recent managerial vacancy at the Mestalla Stadium – the now 40-year-old former Sky Sports presenter has just this week been named as the new boss of Valencia CF until the end of the 2015/16 campaign.

 

The appointment certainly feels like a rather surprise choice throughout the rest of the English footballing community – especially as British coaches plying their trade outside the Premier League and below have go down as somewhat of a premium these days. Neville will nonetheless continue his respective duties with the Three Lions national team at Euro 2016 this summer. 

 

However, considering the fact that brother, Phil Neville, had previously been installed as assistant coach among the La Liga club this season – and that the owner of of Valencia CF also convieniently holds a share of the recently established 'Salford City' non-league outfit co-owned by the Neville brothers – the story behind this recent appointment can in-fact be understood to a certain extent.

 

Yet, given Gary Neville's obvious lack of top-flight managerial experience among the European scene – just how much can the former Old Trafford star expect to achieve in Spain? Football fans far and wide have certainly had their say…

 

Well, although the majority of supporters were initially shocked when the news first broke…

 

Gary Neville? What. The. Hell. Honestly thought it was a prank…

— Erik Avebäck (@ErikAveback) December 2, 2015

 

…most seem well accustomed to the recent appointment by now…

 

I'd like to see Gary Neville do well at Valencia. It's a brave move. Never especially liked him as a player but always admired his fervour.

— Simon Rose (@thatsimonrose) December 4, 2015

 

Valencia currently sit 9th in the league table and a far shot off the formidable side they once were many moons ago. Aside from playing host to a few standout names such as Sofiane Fegouli, Alvaro Negredo and Pacer Alcacer to name but a few, the options currently available to Neville look a shade thin on the ground with all things considered.

 

Nevertheless, many have recently voiced their support for the former Manchester United man in this new chapter in his career…

 

Gary Neville will play attacking wingers creative midfield am excited just hope they understand him good luck Valencia and Neville ????

— MUFC GAZ LAD (@GazladMUFC1) December 4, 2015

 

Loathed him as a player, liked him as a pundit. Good luck to Gary Neville! Strange but fascinating appointment #Valencia

— SexDrugs&CarltonCole (@S_D_C_C) December 3, 2015

 

…there are also those who fail to share quite the same level of optimism on the subject…

 

I love Gary Neville, but this is football at its worst. An unqualified big name player given Valencia as a first job by a business-partner.

— theuglygame (@uglygame) December 3, 2015

 

Gary Neville is the new manager of Valencia. Me: https://t.co/SP2QRp8wH7

— Not Match of the Day (@NOT_MOTD) December 2, 2015

 

Whilst the well-drilled and reliable full-back was never quite considered one of the greatest players of his generation, Gary Neville has most definitely built up a rather admirable number of trophies over the years. He is well respected among the Old Trafford faithful, and hasn't drifted far from our collective footballing consciousness since finally hanging up his boots in 2011. 

 

The 40-year-old indeed showed an admitted level of footballing knowledge during his time spent as a television pundit over the last few seasons – but as we all know that pressing matters of sport are much easier said than done in the cold light of day – such a notion may mean very little when push comes to shove this season.

 

In the end, Gary Neville deserves credit for stepping up to the plate, and not failing to take his chances once the opportunities began to present themselves. Valencia CF remain one of the most presigious clubs in Europe however, so the current task on his hands will ultimately prove anything but easy when all is said and done…

 

Gary Neville and the oranges on front of Valencia's sports daily @superdeporte_es this morn: pic.twitter.com/vZvyJnw3XJ

— Covering Futbol (@coveringfutbol) December 4, 2015