FORMER England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville is the new boss of Valencia — his first managerial post.

    Neville, who is also part of Roy Hodgson’s England coaching team, was named first-team coach at the Mestalla — where his brother, Phil, is a coach — for the rest of the season in a surprise announcement.

    Neville’s appointment was received with shock Wednesday as Singaporean businessman and club owner Peter Lim attempts to protect his multi-million euro investment in the struggling La Liga side. Lim’s decision to again side with his contacts rather than an experienced coach has raised suspicions in Valencia over his capability to take the six-time Spanish champion forward.

    Neville is Valencia’s 11th coach in the past eight years and the club’s famously demanding fans even booed Rafael Benitez during his two title-winning campaigns at the Mestalla.

    (SD-Agencies)