Phil Neville is considering expanding his footballing experience with a fresh challenge in Spain. The former Premier League player with both Manchester United and Everton has been named as Valencia's assistant manager on their official website, although Neville has yet to confirm the move himself. He would replace Ian Cathro should the move transpire. Not that Cathro himself is likely to be putting his feet up any time soon, as the Scot is being tipped to join up with Steve McClaren at Newcastle United in the Premier League.
End of the television punditry?
Thirty-eight-year-old Neville, the younger brother of Sky Sports' pundit Gary, is believed to be involved in discussions with the Spanish club although the potential deal has yet to be completely finalised. If the move is indeed rubber stamped, it would represent a change of direction in his career once again, after seeming likely to follow his brother into a full-time television punditry role in England. After initial complaints as to his presenting skills for the BBC from some viewers, he had seemed to be settling into the role towards the end of the last Football season.
Following old mentor to Spain?
Neville had followed his previous boss, David Moyes from Everton to Manchester United, working as a coach under him.
After a troubled spell at the Red Devils, Moyes was sacked by United and ultimately moved to Spain to manage Real Sociedad. Should Neville commit himself to the rumoured Spanish adventure, he would be likely to renew acquaintances with Moyes in La Liga next season.
Salford City connections
As a co-owner of non-league Salford City, along with other former Old Trafford greats Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and his brother, Gary, he already has some dealings with Valencia's owner.
Peter Lim, a Singaporean billionaire, became the major shareholder of Valencia last year and also has a 50% stake in Salford City.
Top Spanish club
A move to Valencia would be an interesting test of Neville's abilities in a new country. He would also be joining them at an interesting time, as they finished fourth in last season's Spanish table and will be involved in qualifying for the Champions League group stages as a result in the coming months.
They also have an illustrious history, with six La Liga titles, seven Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) successes and have won UEFA Cup silverware in the past.
Youthful outlook
Should the move occur, Neville would become the assistant to current Valencia manager Nuno Espirito Santo, a former Portuguese goalkeeper. 'Nuno' himself is only 41-years-old, so it seems that the club are keen to bring a youthful approach to their footballing philosophy going forward.
