According to a report from Agence France-Presse, England manager, Roy Hodgson has appointed former Manchester United defender Gary Neville to his coaching staff.
In what might be deemed as a conflict of interest, Neville’s four-year contract with the FA will also allow him to work as a columnist for the Mail on Sunday and as a pundit for Sky Sports.
“Gary has achieved so much in the game as a player with Manchester United and England. He has obtained UEFA coaching qualifications and will be tremendously respected by the players because of his vast experience as a player,” said Roy Hodgson. “At my first meeting with the FA, I explained that Gary was someone I wanted as part of my staff. I think it is very important we have a younger coach who knows the dressing room and is very experienced at international level. That he has represented England as a player at five major finals tournaments will make him an invaluable member of staff.”
Neville, 37, confirmed his retirement from the game mid-season in February of 2010. He stated that he could no longer compete at a high level and quickly proceeded to hang up his boots without looking back. In fact, soon after, rather than sitting on the players bench, Neville could be spotted in the stands sitting with supporters at Old Trafford.
Here is a clip demonstrating the intensity Neville use to play with back when he was the captain of Manchester United.
Since his retirement, Neville has proven to be an adept soccer pundit who refuses to tow the Manchester United, publicly criticizing his former team when need be.
Neville played 602 times for United and made 85 England appearances.
“Roy asking me to be a part of his staff and to work with the national team is not only an honour but a very special moment for me. I had absolutely no hesitation in accepting this role and I am relishing the opportunity to work alongside Roy and the team at the Euros and through to the next two tournaments.”
