After Moyes, is this a good idea? The view from Spain on Neville appointment at Valencia

The former Manchester United and England right back will carry on as assistant coach to Roy Hodgson for the national team but will leave his job as a pundit at Sky.

It is thought he will link up with brother Phil, who has been coaching alongside Voro, in his new role.

However, our correspondent in Spain, Christian Maxedo, says there is shock over the appointment for two major reasons.

“In Spain there was a little bit of surprise because we thought it would be Phil [Neville] - who is assistant coach to Voro - who would manage the team until they find an experienced coach.”

Maxedo added that there was uncertainty surrounding the appointment, especially given the recent performance of fellow British manager Moyes, who was sacked last month after less than a season in charge at Real Sociedad.

“To be honest we don’t know so far how good Gary Neville is as a coach,” adds Maxedo. “David Moyes was fired after not doing a good job in Real Sociedad and Spanish people are thinking this situation could be similar (we can guess he doesn’t know Spanish football yet).

François Miguel Boudet, who works for Eurosport in Valencia, added: " A few years ago, Peter Lim wanted to buy Middlesbrough. He hired Ian Cathro with Phil Neville last year, so the Premier League influence is growing even if Cathro left the club at the end of last season [to join Newcastle].

"Moreover, Phil learnt Spanish, he tweets in Valencian and he advised Nuno to chose a... rugby club for his son (Tecnidex Valencia Rugby). Fans like him because he feels the 'sentiment' of the club.

"With Gary Neville, Lim has a 'name' - 400 games with United, brilliant analyst and England assistant coach.

"Valencia can be considered as 'crazy' club and this decision is really surprising. We heard about it when Rijkaard, Laudrup, and Sabella all came to La Liga, but there was no word about Neville.

"Lim takes risks but it was the same with Nuno [who guided the team to a Champions League place]. Now let's see!"