Hodgson coup as Neville takes England role
A BALL may not yet have been kicked on his watch but England manager Roy Hodgson enjoyed the first significant victory of his fledgling tenure yesterday with the surprise appointment of Gary Neville as coach.
Former Manchester United and England defender Neville, who has made a successful foray into media work since retiring last year, has signed a four-year deal to work under Hodgson throughout his reign.
The 37-year-old’s capture is a major coup for Hodgson as he prepares for next month’s European Championship and raises the possibility that Neville could be groomed as a future England manager.
It also comes despite outspoken Neville’s history of criticising the Football Association and earlier this month admitting that Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp, not Hodgson, would have been his initial choice for the England job.
“Roy asking me to be a part of his staff and to work with the national team is not only an honour but a very special moment for me,” said Neville, who won 85 England caps and played at five major international tournaments.
“I had absolutely no hesitation in accepting this role and I’m relishing the opportunity to work alongside Roy and the team at the Euros and through to the next two tournaments.”
Hodgson, who is due to name his 23-man squad for Euro 2012 tomorrow, said Neville’s vast trophy-winning experience would make him a “tremendously respected” figure among players.
He added: “At my first meeting with the FA, I explained that Gary was someone I wanted as part of my staff. I think it is very important we have a younger coach who knows the dressing room and is very experienced at international level.”
Neville is Hodgson’s third recruit, following assistant Ray Lewington and goalkeeping coach Dave Watson, since he was named Fabio Capello’s successor two weeks ago.
Earlier this month Neville expressed surprise at the FA’s selection, admitting he would have picked Redknapp, although he concluded that both were “good candidates offering very different qualities”.
This year he criticised the FA’s handling of racism allegations surrounding former captain John Terry and led calls for strike action in 2004 when defender Rio Ferdinand was banned for a missed drugs test.
Neville would be a useful conduit were Hodgson to seek to coax former team-mate Paul Scholes out of international retirement, after the veteran midfielder last night signed up for another season at United.
HODGSON’S RECRUITS
Gary Neville, coach
Vast experience and close to senior players, making him a useful ally
Ray Lewington, assistant
Hodgson’s former No2 at Fulham has been hired for Euro 2012
Dave Watson, goalkeeping coach
Birmingham man will work with Joe Hart