Gary Neville sacked as manager of Valencia

Valencia CF have announced that Gary Neville has been sacked as manager of the club. Neville had returned to Mestalla on Wednesday after fulfilling his duties with England as an assistant to Roy Hodgson. The club confirmed that Pako Ayestarán, who joined Valancia recently as an assistant coach, will take the reins of the club until the end of the season.

Ayestarán was an assistant coach at Valencia under Rafa Benítez between 2001 and 2004, when the team won two Liga titles and a Uefa Cup. He then went with Benítez to Liverpool and added the Champions League and an FA Cup during the Spaniard’s reign at Anfield from 2004 to 2007. Afterwards he served as first team manager at Maccabi Tel Aviv, guiding the side to a league title and two domestic cup triumphs.

Valencia issued a statement on their official website confirming the switch:

Valencia Football Club have today parted company with Gary Neville as Head Coach.

After careful consideration, the Club have decided to make a change with the best interests of the Valencia CF moving forward this season. We thank Gary for his work at Valencia and wish him the best in the future.

The Club have, today, appointed Pako Ayestaran as Head Coach until the end of the season.

Neville, whose tenure at Valencia last 119 days, also released a short statement after being informed of the club's decision:

"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 they have not been to my standards or to those which are required by this Club".

Neville's record at the club was played 28, won 10, drawn 7, lost 11 across all competitions, with only three of those victories coming in La Liga. Valencia currently sit in 14th in the table, six points clear of the relegation places.