Sir Alex Ferguson on Gary Neville: Fergie expects former Manchester United player to be a success at Valencia

Neville played his entire career under Ferguson's management

(Getty Images)

Sir Alex Ferguson has his backed former Manchester United player Gary Neville to be a 'successful' manager.

Neville, 40, spent his whole career playing under Ferguson. He made 602 appearances for United, captain the club on various occasions and winning eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the League Cup twice and the Champions League between 1993 and 2011.

The former England right-back was named as the new manager of Valencia on Wednesday in a shock move by billionaire owner Peter Lim, who has been a friend of Neville's for 10 years. The Mancunian will take charge of the Spanish club until the end of the season, stepping down from his role as a Sky Sports pundit but continuing as Roy Hodgson's assistant manager with England.

Ferguson believes that the qualities that made Neville so successful during his playing career and on TV will translate into the dugout.

"Gary has many attributes that suggest he will be successful in management," said the Scot. "His leadership skills are strong, he's honest and he's hard working. He is the type of character who is not afraid of making big decisions, which is a vital skill when leading.

"I think he'll do well and I wish him, and his brother Phil, good luck."

His first match in charge will not be Saturday's clash with Barcelona, but the Champions League tie with Lyon next week, with Neville having the chance to make an immediate impact and progress to the knockout stages.

Valencia are currently third in Group H, one point behind Gent. Should Gent lose to group leaders Zenit, a draw will be enough for Valencia to advance. Meanwhile if Gent draw, Valencia must win, whilst a victory for Gent makes progress impossible for Neville's new side

Neville recently completed his Pro Licence course at St George's Park and will get his first taste of management in the unlikely surroundings of the Mestalla, where he will work alongside brother Phil, who had been coach at the club under predecessor Nuno.

Neville will still play a key role in the Three Lions' Euro 2016 preparations, despite being based in Spain, and head coach Roy Hodgson believes he will flourish in the role.

"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 per cent 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."

Neville will be unveiled as Valencia head coach at a press conference on Thursday at 3pm UK time, but Sunday will be his first official day in the Mestalla hotseat.

Younger brother Phil and interim boss Voro took charge of Wednesday's 3-1 Copa del Rey victory over Barakaldo and, most intriguingly, they will preside over Saturday's mouth-watering Primera Division clash with Barcelona.

Neville's first match in charge will be the home Champions League clash with Lyon on December 9 - a match Valencia have to win to stand any chance of progressing to the knock-out stages.

Los Che sit third in Group H and ninth in the Primera Division standings, with coach Nuno quitting following Sunday's loss to Sevilla - a decision the Portuguese informed owner Peter Lim of prior to kick-off on Sunday.

The Singaporean businessman has ties to the Neville brothers through Salford City, which he owns a 50 per cent stake in with the rest split between Gary, Phil, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

Younger brother Phil has been with Valencia since July and reports suggest England's performance analysis manager Andy Scoulding could follow them to the Spanish club.

Additional reporting from PA