Alex Ferguson Gave Gary Neville The Seal Of Approval Over Valencia Job

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has made revelations as to how Gary Neville turned to him for advice before taking up the Valencia job.

Neville shocked supporters on Wednesday when it was revealed that he would take up the head coach role at Spanish side Valencia until the end of the season, teaming up with brother Phil after former boss Nuno Espirito Santo left the club last Sunday.

Neville turned to his old boss Fergie for advice. (Picture: PA)

The move will see Neville managing his commitments with Valencia alongside his coaching role with the England national side, but means he has vacated his role as a pundit on Sky Sports.

And following the former Manchester United defender’s decision to turn to management, his ex-boss Alex Ferguson couldn’t hold back his pride for the 40-year-old:

‘Gary is a football man, but I’ve been so impressed by him that he has been a success at whatever he has turned his hand to,‘ Ferguson said.

Valencia is Neville’s first step into management. (Picture: PA)

‘Valencia is a big job. Actually, your first job is always huge – it doesn’t matter who you’re taking charge of.

‘But part of the challenge is being brave enough to take that step. Gary is ready to make that step. He knows what he’s taking on.

‘It’s a big job, with a massive immediate challenge,’ he added before revealing that Neville took time to contact him despite having already made up his mind on his next career move.
‘Yes, Gary had a quiet word with me, but I think he’d already made up his mind on this one,’ Ferguson said.

‘He really wanted to give the Valencia job a go. I think I was probably just giving the seal of approval.’