Gary Neville named Valencia boss: Manchester United legend joins brother Phil in La Liga

England assistant joins the club until the end of the season

Gary Neville (GETTY IMAGES)

Gary Neville has been appointed as manager of La Liga side Valencia.

The former Manchester United defender, who has never held a full-time managerial position before, has been appointed on a contract until the end of the season.

He officially takes charge on Sunday, a day after Valencia's La Liga meeting with Barcelona. It means Neville's first match in charge will be the Champions League game against Lyon on Wednesday.

The move will see Neville link up with brother Phil, who has been coaching at the Mestalla since July and assisted interim coach Voro. Los Che have been without a coach since Nuno quit following Sunday's 1-0 loss to Sevilla.

In a statement, Gary Neville said: "I am excited and I am proud to have received this huge opportunity with Valencia Football Club. It is a huge club, of immense prestige and I remember well from my time as a player, the passion and loyalty of their fans. "

"I'm looking forward to working with them, I know it's a group of very talented players. I am very excited about the challenge that lies ahead together. "

Neville has been a pundit on Sky Sports since retiring and is also assistant England manager. Sky have announced that he will leave his role with them, however his position under Roy Hodgson will continue as the Three Lions prepare for Euro 2016 next summer.

Valencia president Chan Lay Hoon added: "We are delighted to have been able to have Gary as quickly. He is a person who combines technical expertise as part of the coaching staff of the England team and a brilliant playing career at Manchester United and his team.

"Throughout his career, Gary has always shown a high level of leadership on and off the field. He is greatly respected in the English football and have been these qualities that have convinced us that it is the right choice to lead the team until the end of season."

It is notable that Valencia is owned by businessman Peter Lim, who holds a 50 per cent stake in Salford along with Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers..

A press conference will be held tomorrow at 3pm GMT at which Neville will be unveiled.