In the most surprising news story of the day and indeed perhaps the most surprising managerial appointment of the football season so far as the BBC are reporting, United stalwart and member of the class of the ’92 Gary Neville has been appointed as Valencia’s head coach until the end of the season. Gary replaces Nuno Espirito Santo, who resigned after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Sevilla which left Valencia still in a respectable 9th spot in La Liga – hardly a disaster but the club have only come out on top in 5 of the 13 league games so far this campaign and the subtext to this is that Valencia owner Peter Lim is also a 50% stakeholder in Salford City which must have played a big role in this appointment.

This is Gary Neville’s first head coaching role and he will still be assisted by brother Phil who joined the Spanish club as assistant manager in July, and will remain on the coaching staff until the end of the season and will assist interim boss Voro for Valencia’s next two matches before next Wednesday’s Champions League home match against Lyon which will be Gary Neville’s first match in charge.

Roy Hodgson is not concerned by his assistant coach taking on this role and thinks that it will only help Gary Neville gain experience for his international duties with England by coaching in one of the top European Leagues.

To little amazement, English fans are surprised yet most supportive of the appointment but the Spanish fans do not share their English conterparts’ optimism and are shocked and skeptical of Gary Neville’s new role. Well it remains to be seen but it will great to see Neville do well in his role and prove the naysayers wrong. Also Neville will be sorely missed on Sky Sports where he has become the lead pundit and top colour commentator but apparently he has a open door to a return to the broadcaster should he wish to return.