Gary Neville did not consult with Sir Alex Ferguson over Valencia role

However he has since spoken with the former Manchester United manager

Gary Neville in Valencia (GETTY IMAGES)

Gary Neville has revealed he did not speak with Sir Alex Ferguson before accepting the offer to become manager of Valencia.

The former Manchester United defender took his first step into full-time management this week with the surprise decision to become the new manager of the La Liga club.

Despite playing for no other manager at club level, Neville revealed he didn't speak with Ferguson about whether to take the job, although he has since done been in touch with the Scot.

"I didn’t consult him about taking the job. I made the decision myself and with my family. I have spoken to him in the last few days. He offered support and advice and encouragement. It would be ignorant of me not to listen to that advice.”

Explaining at his unveiling how the decision to become Valencia manager came about, Neville said: “On Sunday evening the first contact was made, by Monday evening it was accepted (I obviously needed to talk to my family overnight which I did). Tuesday we talked about logistics and coaching, Wednesday was announcement and today was the first time I could get over here."

Neville will not take charge for Valencia's game against Barcelona this Saturday as it "would have been unfair on the players”, meaning his first match in charge will be Wednesday's Champions League tie with Lyon.

Explaining why he had taken up the position at the Spanish club, Nevilled said: “I think I’ve been offered jobs in football over the last four or five years but timing hadn’t felt right and I wanted to learn.

“When I received the call on Sunday evening I thought what a football club, what an opportunity, what a challenge.

“Sitting on television, talking about coaches for these last few years, the time had come for me to stand up.”