Antonio Valencia believes Gary Neville still has what it takes to land a Premier League managerial role in the future. The revelation could spell trouble for Sky Sports, who are already facing the prospect of losing two other high-profile pundits further down the line.
Neville has previously had a taste of management, first serving as Roy Hodgson's assistant with England before taking the reins as head coach at Valencia. His stint in Spain proved to be a torrid experience, having taken charge in December 2015 before being dismissed just over three months later by the La Liga club.
Valencia backs Neville for top job
Despite securing only 10 victories from his 28 matches at the helm, Neville's former Manchester United colleague believes the Sky Sports pundit possesses the qualities to thrive in English football. The former winger insists the Old Trafford legend simply needs "big names" around him who can respond to his leadership style.
Valencia exclusively told Ladbrokes: "Gary Neville was always very good to me, from when I was a youngster at the club. I could see very early on that he was a great communicator, a leader.
"I'm very happy for him, and the career he's had, both on and off the football pitch. It's great he's still connected to the game in a big way, and I think he's one of the best at what he does.
"He obviously had a brief period as a manager, where things didn't work out for him at Valencia. I think he lacked big names within that squad, and he wasn't able to bring in the players he'd have wanted, which is why he struggled.
"I would love to see him back in management though, even in the Premier League, because he's a passionate guy who has a lot to say and give. I think he'd do a great job as a manager now.
"I look back at other teammates, and someone like Nemanja Vidic I would expect to be a great manager. He has a great personality for that kind of role – similar to Wayne Rooney."
Sky Sports faces pundit exodus
A possible return to the dugout for Neville could create complications for his current role at Sky Sports. The former England international forms part of a hugely popular punditry lineup at the broadcaster, alongside Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane and Micah Richards.
Richards has vowed to step away from the role by 2034, insisting that the World Cup in Saudi Arabia will mark his final major tournament. He told the Daily Telegraph: "I'll be out of all this by the time I turn 46. You won't see me on any mainstream media beyond the 2034 World Cup. That will be the last time I am on the BBC or Sky or CBS. I've told them all this and they think I'm joking. I'm not.
"I've given so much of my life to football since leaving school at 14. But when the time comes, I want to make a difference to people's lives at a grassroots level – to help those who need it most, especially young people."
Keane echoes this view, revealing that he plans to relocate overseas in retirement. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast in 2024, the former United midfielder said: "In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad... putting it out there."
