Jobs for the boys.
Gary Neville is reportedly being considered as a candidate for the managerial position of David Beckham’s new Miami-based MLS franchise.
According to AS journalist Beto Gonzalez, Neville is the frontrunner, with the former Valencia head coach’s close relationship with Beckham being a contributing factor.
Former England, AC Milan and Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello is also thought to be a possible candidate. Frank Lampard, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes have also been mentioned in the report, the latter duo of course having been part of United’s Premier League-conquering side of the 1990s with Beckham.
Beckham finally officially launched his long-planned Major League Soccer side this year, four years after exercising an option to buy a team in the MLS.
“This is something that has been a dream for many, many years,” Beckham said after being formally handed the franchise.
“When I was awarded the team there was only one city for me and it was here. I was drawn to this city for the same reasons millions of people are – the diversity, the culture, the people, the weather, the beaches.”
The team will not compete in the MLS until 2020, which means that, were he approached by Beckham, Neville may find it an appealing offer, knowing that he could continue his punditry work with the long-term goal of preparing for a jump back into management.
Neville’s maiden voyage into managing was a harrowing one. Appointed Valencia head coach in December 2015, he was sacked by the club just four months later having won just three of his 16 games in charge while failing to keep a single clean sheet. He also oversaw a humiliating 7-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona.
However, Beckham may have trouble convincing Neville to jump ship to Miami considering that the former Manchester United right-back is involved with Salford City, has a hotel business and a lucrative job as a head analyst for Sky Sports. In addition, speaking in September, he appeared to pour cold water over his future in management.
“I always say ‘never say never’ because my love of football is too great,” said Neville, “but I genuinely believe it will be very difficult for me to go back into coaching because of my commitment now to so many different things.”
“It’s my obligation to deliver Salford City to the Football League.” He named a number of other business ventures with which he is involved. It could be that I’m no longer ever a coach in football but that’s not a loss. Some people might think it is, but the fact of the matter is it’s not to me.”
