Gary Neville sacked as Valencia coach

Neville was the shock choice as Valencia coach back in December as he signed a contract until the end of the season.

However, Valencia's persistently poor form - with the club losing four of their past five games - has forced owner Peter Lim to act.

A Valencia statement read:

"Valencia Football Club have today parted company with Gary Neville as head coach.

Valencia delivered the news just a day after Neville had been by Roy Hodgson's side as England assistant manager for the 2-1 loss to Netherlands at Wembley.

His record as Valencia coach read just 10 wins from 28 games in all competitions. He had to wait nine matches to secure his first win in La Liga and the club's recent Europa League exit at the hands of Athletic Bilbao left them with little to play for.

Fans had protested against Neville and now former Liverpool and Valencia assistant coach Ayestaran has taken charge for the remainder of the campaign.

“I want to thank the Valencia Football Club, the fans, the coaching staff, workers and players,” Neville said in a statement.

“I would have liked to continue the work I started, but I understand that we are in a business that is based on results and with 28 games, 10 wins, seven draws and 11 defeats they have not been at the level that I demand that this club requires."

Neville should be commended for the bravery he showed in taking on such a huge job with his first step into management, but it was a project doomed to fail from the start. Neville did not speak any Spanish and had no real credentials for a top La Liga job - other than being a business associate of Lim it seems. Neville is believed to be one of football's brightest minds and big things are expected of him in management - but this adventure has only harmed his reputation. He needs to choose his next managerial role very carefully indeed.