Phil Neville: Former Manchester United star in line to take charge of Bury in first managerial role
Ex-England and Everton ace in pole position for Gigg Lane job as he prepares to swap TV studio for dug-out
PHIL NEVILLE is ready to begin his managerial career by taking over at home-town club Bury.
Former Manchester United star Neville has been working in the media since hanging up his boots - apart from a disappointing spell as coach alongside brother Gary at Valencia.
But now he is set to swap the TV studio for the dug-out by taking over at Gigg Lane in an effort to revive the League One club's fortunes.
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Bury sacked David Flitcroff last week and the club's chairman Stewart Day is desperate to bring in Neville, 39, to help turn their season around.
And the lure of taking over at the club which is so closely linked to the Neville family is one that is proving hard for the former Everton and England star to turn down.
Neville recently rejected the opportunity to join Steve Bruce's backroom staff at Aston Villa, believing his next job in football has to be as a manager not coach.
At the Neville he said: “In terms of my next step, unless it’s something really special, I think I’d like to go on my own and do my own thing.
“I went out to Valencia to create my own pathway and to keep my individual learning going, and that’s where I see it really.
“Rather than going back in as an assistant or a first-team coach, even though there may be opportunities to do that, in my ideal world I’d like to be on my own and continue my development on my own.”
Now club insiders believe he could kick start both his and Bury’s season by taking the helm there.
In a town made famous by their championship winning black puddings he would be welcomed with open arms by the ‘Shakers’ faithful.
An insider said : “To have Phil here in charge would be marvellous and hopefully pull our season around.”.
Flitcroft was sacked after Bury slumped from second in the league to 16th just three points from the relegation zone and without a win in 11 games.
Phil’s late dad Neville Neville collapsed and died in Australia last year aged 65 after taking a trip Down Under to watch daughter Tracey coach with the England netball team.
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He had been a hugely influential part of Bury FC most of his life, not only working there but eventually becoming a director.
After he died the club named the famous Gigg Lane stand after him.
Loyal wife Jill has lifelong connections also, working as company secretary for more than 30 years.