Hodgson: Valencia right for Neville

England Coach Roy Hodgson has backed Gary Neville after his assistant was confirmed as the new man on the Valencia bench.

Neville takes over until the end of the season and joins brother Phil at Mestalla, having been working with Hodgson and the national team since retirement, as well as appearing on Sky Sports as a pundit. He officially takes over at Valencia on Sunday, with Wednesday's must-win Champions League tie agaisnt Lyon Neville's first game.

“I'm delighted that Gary has decided to take this excellent opportunity. It's the right moment in time for him and I'm 100 per cent behind his decision to join Valencia as the new head Coach,” Hodgson told the FA’s official website.

“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.”

Hodgson added that he doesn’t expect Neville’s commitments in Spain to affect his work with England ahead of the tournament in France.

“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,” he continued

“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.”

Tags England Gary Neville Roy Hodgson
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