Neville calls for end to quick promotions

Manchester United captain Gary Neville has hit out at former players for taking managerial jobs in the Premier League before they have the requisite qualifications.

All top-flight bosses are supposed to hold the UEFA Pro Licence but Alan Shearer this week became the latest to occupy a hotseat without one when he took over at Newcastle.

Neville, who is in the process of acquiring his UEFA ’A’ badge, told The Times: “Players are getting jobs without the badges because they couldn’t be bothered, or didn’t have time, or played at the top level so think, ’Why do I have to do it’?

“The FA (Football Association) and Premier League have to stand up and be counted. They have to start taking a tougher stand on it.”

Neville, who has played for United his whole career, has been tipped to one day take over at Old Trafford but he revealed he is unsure whether he will enter management at all.

“Being a football manager reminds me of boxing,” he continued. “Twenty years ago, you would fight the best and get beat, but that didn’t matter. You’d have another go.

“These days, boxing is stage-managed. They plot a path to the top because lose one fight and you’re seen as a bum. And that’s what management feels like. One slip and you’re a bum. Is that really for me?”