One of the most astute ‘moves’ in English summer must have been Roy Hodgson’s grab for Gary Neville in an England coaching role. Alongside the highly rate Ray Lewington he’s formed a bit of a coaching dream team – something that must have played a rather large role in the Three Lion’s rise to the top of their Euro 2012 group. But exactly what effect has Gary had on this England side?
When Yahoo Sports interviewed Kevin Keegan (who managed Neville at International level) he was full of praise for the former Manchester United full-back and keen to emphasise the positive role he must be having in the England set-up.
“Not all [English coaches] have been successful, if there are twenty one teams in your league only one is going to win, so the failure rate in football is perceived as high. But I think for Gary, for England and for Roy it’s a very good appointment… played in six tournaments and played 85 times for England so going there as a coach won’t phase him. The players will respect him because he has been there and done it.
Maybe that is why Roy Hodgson took someone like Gary, because Ray Lewington hasn’t worked at an international level and it has been a long time since Roy has, and he’s 64. So he will see Gary as the go between and the guy who’s more in touch with the players, with Facebook and social media. I’m not saying that Roy can’t do that but it will help having Gary to help. But for Gary he is going from being a pundit and having his coaching badges and all the theory to putting it into practice.”
Here’s how I see it breaking down: Roy knows how to get the most out of players, he knows what roles they should take up and he likes to preach a message of discipline. There are very few men out there who would be better suited for maintaining that party line, communicating with the players (not just through Social media!) and ensuring they stick to the plan. He’ll already have a repartee with a number of these players (unlike Roy) and from what we’ve seen he’s putting this to good use.
His time as a pundit has proven that he’s an intelligent, thoughtful and balanced individual. This kind of influence can only be beneficial in an England side filled with players of hugely varying degrees of talent.
Let’s hope that Neville continues to exert in the quarter finals!
For more insight from Kevin Keegan and other leading managers plus all the coverage of Euro 2012 go to yahoo.eurosport.com.