Gary Neville braced for Spanish inquisition at Valencia

Manchester United captain turned Sky Sports star pundit Gary Neville has taken on a fiendishly difficult challenge in his first job in management in charge of troubled Valencia.

Neville walks out of the TV studio and into a hugely difficult sporting and political situation at the La Liga club — with his appointment another sign that overseas owner Peter Lim has broken with the club’s history and the city’s football tradition.

On the pitch, Neville’s first game will be a must-win Champions League final group game at home to Lyon next Wednesday as he does not take charge until after in-form La Liga leaders Barcelona visit Mestalla on Saturday evening. Last night, the club beat minnows Barikaldo 3-1 in the Copa del Rey.