Phil Neville named Valencia assistant manager

Posted Monday, June 29, 2015 by Talksport.co.uk

Former Manchester United and England defender Phil Neville has been named the new assistant coach of Valencia.

The 38-year-old joins the La Liga side after Ian Cathro, who previously was in the role, resigned to join Steve McClaren's backroom staff at Newcastle.

Having worked at Old Trafford as a first-team coach with his former Everton boss David Moyes, Neville previously turned down an offer to join the Scot at his new club Real Sociedad, though admitted to having an interest in working abroad.

And Spanish side Valencia have announced that Neville has been appointed to manager Nuno Espirito Santo's backroom team at Los Che, who finished fourth in La Liga last season.

A statement on the club’s official website read: "Valencia CF are pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Neville as assistant manager of the first team, joining the coaching staff headed by Nuno Espirito Santo.

"The former Manchester United and Everton player has previously occupied the assistant role at Old Trafford, under both David Moyes and interim replacement Ryan Giggs. Neville offers a wealth of footballing knowledge to a club in constant growth."

Neville won 59 caps for England and lifted the Champions League, six Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his time with United.

He finished a 19-year playing career at Everton in 2013 before turning his focus to coaching.

The 41-year-old Nuno, who took charge of Valencia last summer, said: "Phil Neville has great experience at the top level of competition, but above all he has knowledge and values that fit perfectly with our team and our club.

"He has always been a team player, and our philosophy is based on teamwork. We are - and want to continue to be - a group. I am convinced that he is going to help us a lot."

Valencia regularly finish in the top four of La Liga but last won the title in 2004 and have not won any major silverware since claiming the Copa del Rey in 2008.