Who would have thought the retirement of one of the soccer players that divides opinion so much would have such an effect on the sports book industry. Gary Neville, widely regarded as the best right back England has had for the best part of 20 years, announced his immediate retirement from the game yesterday evening.
Playing his whole career under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, he’s probably best known for hardly ever scoring and antagonizing Liverpool and Man City in equal measure. The markets have opened up with all kinds of scenarios related to Neville though.
Victor Chandler, who have a transfer window signing of their own in former StanJames Head of PR, Charlie McCann, see the former pundit going to Sky as a replacement for either Richard Keys or Andy Gray.
“We believe Neville would be an excellent addition to Sky Sports whether it be as direct replacement for Andy Gray or joining the roster of pundits on Soccer Saturday or midweek domestic/Champions League football,” said the new head of online PR, McCann.
He continued: “Given his relationship with the Liverpool supporters it would be a double whammy for Reds fans if Neville made his Sky debut on the same day Fernando Torres wore the Blue of Chelsea for the first time! Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested there would be a role for Neville at Old Trafford and we make a full time position at United next best at 9/4”.
Boylesports meanwhile see the veteran in more of a coaching role, Public Relations Executive, Nicola McGeady, commenting: “You can’t disagree with Sir Alex that Gary Neville has been the greatest right-back of his generation and it’s sad to see him go. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a fair bit more of him on the sidelines though and possibly as a future Man Utd or even England manager.”
Personally it might be rather amusing to see him in the commentary on Sunday afternoon, but we shall see.
