Report: Valencia to renew Neville

Valencia owner Peter Lim will barring a disaster between now and the end of the season offer Gary Neville a long-term contract as Coach.

Neville was appointed to replace Nuno Santo in December but his deal was only until June 30, though Neville said at the time he was conducting himself as if he was staying at Mestalla for the long haul.

AS reports that Lim has been impressed by Neville and with 13 League games to go, as well as the Europa League, it would take a disastrous sequence of results to convince Lim to let Neville go.

Neville is also planning Valencia’s pre-season and pushing through reforms at the training ground, and holds the confidence of the club despite going 12 League games before recording his first win.

The former Manchester United defender is said to be comfortable working with Jesus Garcia Pitarch as sporting director despite not having experience of that set-up prior to Garcia’s arrival.

Neville and Garcia had never met before Garcia’s January appointment but AS note they get along well and Neville appreciates the division of responsibility that allows him to focus on working with the players.

Lim meanwhile was happy Neville didn’t insist on any conditions when taking the job before Christmas, as he didn’t ask for a guarantee regarding staff or winter signings.

Pitarch is also in the pro-Neville camp, as is President Layhoon Chan, who on Tuesday spoke to AS about why the club appointed Neville in the first place, and then stood by him during his initial struggles.

Neville appointee Pako Ayestaran is also contracted to June 30 and his future is tied to the Englishman’s, but with Lim having confidence in long-time friend Neville, it is expected an extension will be offered.

Tags Gary Neville
La Liga - Club News