Gary Neville is, and will always remain, one of the modern games most puzzling enigmas. Once despised by rival fans, his boyish facial hair and brazen hatred for Manchester United’s north west neighbours frequently masqueraded as a stick with which to beat his reputation. However, since retirement, the older of the Neville brothers has cemented his position as one of the English game’s most respected figures. Through his commentary duties at SkySports, he has displayed a depth of analysis, an expert understanding to put Graham Souness and Paul Merson to shame. Respecting Gary Neville is almost unavoidable, a nauseating yet accepted reality among his once fanatical detractors.
Yet, his interim appointment at Valencia still broke to the sound of confusion. Despite his coaching role alongside Roy Hodgson in the national set-up, his younger brother Phil’s presence at the Mestalla, Gary Neville as manager of Valencia remains an extremely bizarre thought.
His first coaching role is undoubtedly one of the toughest. After all, experienced, successful managers, such as Claudio Ranieri and Unai Emery, bit the bullet for failing to hit the most ambitious of expectations. What chance, then, for Neville in his first management role?
His association with Peter Lim is guaranteed to cause consternation. Co-owning Salford City with the Singaporean billionaire, Neville’s appointment does have a hint of nepotism. This, among an immensely proud fanbase, may have its downsides. After all, Nuno Espirito Santo was frequently undermined by his friendship with the owner and quasi-sporting director Jorge Mendes.
Furthermore, British managers working abroad tends to result in more misses than hits in recent years. David Moyes, of course, being the most pertinent example. In La Liga, a grasp of the language is important, but an understanding of the tactics is crucial. Moyes, with his Glaswegian drawl and rigid lines, was always unlikely to thrive.
Doubts, inevitably, are never far away. As Didi Hamman says; “To go abroad, not speaking the language and not knowing the league is a huge task. I don’t really understand why he’s done it because he would have got a big job in England in six or 12 months’ time. I think he’s taking a big, big chance.”
Neville, then, must display the tactical understanding that made him Britain’s favourite pundit while picking up the local lingo much quicker than his brother. No beach-based funny business please.
Taking charge after this weekends home clash with free-scoring Barcelona, Neville has dodged one particularly nuke-sized bullet. Yet, his first match at Valencia could hardly be more high-profile. Or, for that matter, important. Lyon, at home; their Champions League hopes on the line.
However, a committed student of Sir Alex Ferguson, Neville may foster the backs-against-the-wall, us-against-the-world mentality that could prove popular amongst one of Europe’s most hard-nosed fanbases. And, furthermore, he could hardly have arrived at a better time. With Valencia toiling, in desperate need of a fresh start after growing stale under Nuno, Neville could refresh an ailing squad with his trademark enthusiasm and oft-underrated charm.
And, despite the daunting task that awaits, the ever-confident Neville knows he has the attitude, not to mention the expertise, to succeed.
“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.”
After spending so many years as number two, Gary Neville is finally number one.
Tactica World 