Goodbye England's Rose

GNev & Carra reunited <3

His departure was almost as swift as his appointment. Valencia relieved Monday Night Football’s Gary Neville of his duties today. Today — and not in the midst of an England match, I’m looking at you Aston Villa!

While criticised for taking on a job at that level without much experience behind him, Neville was really in a damned if you do, damned if you don’t position. It he turned down the job, he may be overlooked in future for a role for not showing ambition. Taking the job meant he was sneered at for taking on a role above his station as a mere pundit and not grafting his trade at a lower level.
While the nation was gutted to lose one of the only pundits worth listening to, it was a brave move for the former United defender. And he was given a near impossible task. Valencia were not in good shape before his arrival and it could be some time before they are after his departure.

However, with just 3 league wins in 16 the spotlight on Valencia’s performances were growing increasingly glaring. He immersed himself as best he could and should be praised for his risk. It did not pay off this time, but he’ll be able to build on that if and when he decides to be more than Hodgson’s side piece / Carragher’s banter buddy.

Neville’s statement on being able to focus on England at the Euros:

"I would like to thank Valencia Football Club, the fans, staff and the players. I would have liked to have continued the work I started but understand that we are in a results business and in the 28 games (W10 D7 L11) they have not been to my standards or to those which are required by this club."