Neville returns to Sky studios after coaching mishaps

Oli Fisher
Gary Neville: Back on the big screen

Gary Neville: Ill-fated spell at Valencia

Gary Neville will return to the Sky Sports studio for its Premier League coverage, just over a month after he was part of the coaching staff that was axed from the England setup. 

Neville’s first move into club management also ended badly as he was sacked after just four months in charge of Spanish club Valencia in March, before leaving his post as England assistant shortly after the shock last-16 defeat to Iceland.

“I am delighted to be rejoining Sky Sports and can’t wait for the start of the new football season, especially as there will be a variety of new programming on the channel,” Neville said in a Sky statement, which also announced presenter Rachel Riley would join their team.

“It is important for me that my role will be slightly different, and I am looking forward to the challenge of working on some new, creative and exciting projects.”

Neville won the prestigious RTS Award for his punditry in 2014 and 2015, but is not set to make a permanent return to the Monday Night Football slot, with Sky stating he would make “guest appearances” alongside former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

Sky also announced that Countdown presenter Riley would join Jeff Stelling to front their coverage of Friday night football, with up to 10 games being shown in the timeslot this season.

Gary Hughes, head of football for Sky Sports, said: “It’s Sky Sports’ biggest ever Premier League season and our viewers can enjoy the best matches, the best analysis and the best shows.

“Following Leicester’s incredible triumph, we all know anything can happen this season and Sky Sports viewers can watch all the stories unfold at both ends of the table from next month through to May.”