SPORTS
Valencia CF have sacked Gary Neville less than four months after his surprise announcement as head coach of the Spanish club.
Neville, 41, was hired in December as replacement for Portuguese Nuno Espirito Santo after a poor run of results, but he badly struggled at the Mestalla.
With Valencia languishing in 14th place in the Primera Division table, Los Che on Wednesday announced Neville had been relieved of his duties as first-team coach, with former Liverpool assistant Pako Ayestaran assuming the role until the end of the season.
A statement published by the club on Wednesday afternoon read:
"Valencia Football Club has today terminated its contractual relationship with Gary Neville as first team coach.
After carefully analysing the sporting situation, the club has decided to make this change in the best interests of Valencia for the remainder of the season.
The club thanks Gary Neville for his work and wishes him the best of luck in the future.
Valencia are 14th in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone with eight games remaining.