Gary Neville takes charge of Valencia

Valencia have named former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville as their new coach, the 40-year-old taking up his first major appointment following the departure of Nuno Espírito Santo.

"I'm very excited and I feel proud to have received this great opportunity from Valencia," he said. "This is a huge club of immense prestige and it has reminded me of my time as a player, of the great passion and loyalty of their fans.

"I'm looking forward to starting work with them. I know that this is a group of players with a lot of talent. I'm really excited about the challenge we have in front of us."

A two-time UEFA Champions League winner, Neville won eight English titles with United and had been working as a pundit in tandem with a position as assistant coach of the England national team. He has agreed a contract until June 2016 with Valencia, and will take charge for the first time in next Wednesday's UEFA Champions League game against Lyon.

Neville's younger brother Phil was on Nuno's coaching staff, and is currently stand-in assistant coach, working under caretaker boss Voro.