Gary Neville was on track for England job before failed stint at Valencia CF | OneFootball

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has claimed he was heading toward managing the England national team before his unsuccessful spell with Spanish side, Valencia.

Neville formed part of Roy Hodgson’s coaching set-up for England and aided the experienced manager at Euro 2016.

As reported by the Daily Star, speaking on his ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, Neville revealed conversations with Dan Ashworth upon taking the Valencia job, and says he was earmarked to take over at England when Hodgson decided to step down.

“I’ve never said this publicly, but I remember getting the Valencia job in December. Dan Ashworth rang me and said this was the perfect move for me to be on that next step for when Roy Hodgson decided he wanted to leave the England job, for me to take over,” stated Neville.

The former defender said Ashworth believed the job in Spain was “the perfect opportunity” for Neville to hone his craft before taking the top job back home.

However, a disastrous spell on the continent opened Neville’s eyes to the difficulties of management and gave him the wake up call he needed to pursue different avenues.

“I look back now, and it was right that I failed in the job because I didn’t put the work in. With how my work ethic is now, I needed to fail to have that slap in the face moment, for me to get back to it, which is where I am now,” he said.

Although he didn’t into management after completing his UEFA coaching badges, Neville believes the courses helped him become a better pundit and is still thoroughly enjoying his role in the media.

“I said at the time that if you do your coaching badges, it will help with your punditry and it does for a period because you’re talking about the game with 20 other coaches doing their badges.”

“Despite doing the badges, I didn’t want to go into a managerial role because I was enjoying the media side,” he added.

Neville concluded that he “learned a lesson in saying no” after his struggles in Spain and is adamant he will not be returning to the touchline in a managerial capacity in the future.

The 49 year old remains one of the most successful players to have ever played for United having racked up eight Premier League titles, two Champions League trophy’s and three FA Cups during his near 20 year spell at Old Trafford.

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