Phil Neville 'flattered' to be linked with Everton job

Former England international has a decision to make as he is tipped for both the Everton and Stoke City vacancies

Phil Neville has been linked with the Everton manager's vacancy (GETTY IMAGES)

Retiring Everton defender Phil Neville has confirmed his interest in succeeding David Moyes as the club's manager.

The former England international, 36, decided his time on the pitch was up towards the end of the season and he is now preparing for a career in management.

He has been strongly linked with the Goodison Park vacancy following Moyes’ appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor, but Neville is also rated by bookmakers among the leading contenders for the job at Stoke, who parted company with Tony Pulis yesterday.

Neville told The Times: "It is flattering to be linked with the Everton job. It's just whatever direction the club want to take. But I know there are players who have gone into jobs and failed.

"I am at the end of my career and I am looking to get into coaching and management,” he continued. “I have prepared for the last five seasons and I have some nice decisions to make.

"I have had a lot of experience, studying coaching practices. I have been away with England Under-21s. I'm half-prepared for what I'm going into."

The younger brother of former player-turned-pundit Gary, Neville spent 10 years with Manchester United before joining Everton under Moyes’ guidance.

He played on for eight more years with the Toffee’s, before calling time on his career that has seen him win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three FA Community Shields, one Champions League trophy and the Intercontinental Cup, all with United.