Phil Neville has announced he will leave Manchester United’s coaching staff to pursue his punditry career with the BBC.
Neville, who also played for Everton and was capped 59 times for England, will replace Alan Hansen on BBC’s Match of the Day.
Neville was brought back into the United fold last season when David Moyes took over the reigns from Sir Alex Ferguson, though his future remained uncertain following the former Everton manager’s dismissal.
“Delight to join @BBCMOTD for the new season cant wait to get started with the team #50years,” he Tweeted yesterday.
Delight to join @BBCMOTD for the new season cant wait to get started with the team #50years http://t.co/GtlMFfGDRU
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) August 6, 2014
The show is celebrating its fiftieth year and will also welcome ex-Reds defender Rio Ferdinand as a pundit.
MOTD’s host Gary Lineker and panellist Robbie Savage were amongst those congratulating Neville on Twitter.
A warm welcome to @rioferdy5 @fizzer18 @GullitR who join regulars Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy & @RobbieSavage8 for 50th anniversary of #MOTD
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 6, 2014
Welcome to the team mate RT @fizzer18: My new home – the next chapter! pic.twitter.com/YTjkANYZlD
— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) August 6, 2014
Mancunian comic Jason Manford, an avid Manchester City fan, also sent his well wishes.
@GaryLineker @rioferdy5 @fizzer18 @GullitR @RobbieSavage8 cracking line up. Even though they all hate *insert own club here*
— JasonManford (@JasonManford) August 6, 2014
The move didn’t come without its complaints, though, as some drew attention to Neville’s heavily criticised role as part of the BBC’s World Cup coverage.
The BBC reportedly received over 400 complaints from viewers following his co-commentary of England’s defeat to Italy.
Phil Neville taking over Alan Hansens spot on Match of the Day is almost as bad as David Moyes for Fergie. #SortItOutBBC
— Lawrence Thompson (@lawzt) August 6, 2014
Neville will make his first MOTD appearance on August 16 when the new Premier League season begins.
Main image courtesy of Sky Sports via YouTube, with thanks.
