The England manager, Roy Hodgson, has welcomed the appointment of Gary Neville as head coach of Valencia.
The Football Association was quick to emphasise that Neville would continue as an England coach for Euro 2016 and Hodgson said the extra experience gained in Spain would come in useful for the national side.
“I’m delighted that Gary has decided to take this excellent opportunity,” Hodgson said. “It’s the right moment in time for him and I’m 100% behind his decision to join Valencia as the new head coach.
“As far as I’m concerned, this will be an extra string to his bow and the experience he will gain working in the Spanish league can only be beneficial to our work together with the England team.
“Gary’s commitment to the FA’s preparations for Euro 2016 will not be in any way affected by the fact that he will be coaching abroad during the next five months.
“As someone who has spent a large part of my coaching career working abroad, I salute his decision and hope he gains as much from his time in Spain as I have done from the various countries which I have worked.
“Like the rest of the England coaching staff, Gary will be fully committed to preparing for the Euros in France and our friendly matches which begin in March against Germany and Holland.
“I wish him and his brother Phil the very best of luck as they prepare for their first match versus Lyon in the Champions League.”
The former Manchester United and England defender, who recently completed his Pro Licence course at St George’s Park, will join his brother Phil in Spain on the coaching staff of the La Liga club after being appointed head coach until the end of the season
Sky Sports, for whom he has worked as a pundit since 2011, said he would be leaving the channel with immediate effect though “the door will always be open should he wish to return”
Valencia said in a statement: “CF have today appointed Gary Neville as head coach until the end the season. He will officially take charge of the first team on Sunday 6 December ahead of the Uefa Champions League match against Lyon at Mestalla on Wednesday 9 December.”
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