Neville Neville

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Neville Neville is a former league cricketer, football agent and director and the father of Premier League footballers Gary Neville and Phil Neville and netballer Tracey Neville.

Contents

[edit] Cricket career

Neville played cricket for Green Mount Cricket Club in the Lancashire league during the 1980s.[1] His daughter Tracey cites this as her earliest sporting memory.[2]

[edit] Family

Neville is married to his long term wife, Jill and they have three children who are notable sportspeople. These are the England netball player Tracey Neville and English Premier League footballers Gary Neville and Phil Neville.[2][3]

[edit] Football agent

Neville is the agent for his two sons. He has represented both during contract talks with their clubs.[4]

After Euro 2004, Neville agreed new contracts with Manchester United following negotiations with United's executive David Gill.[5]

His eldest son Gary decided to postpone any testimonial match until his playing career was over. His father, Neville Neville, stated that "In this day and age when players earn such fantastic amounts of money we think it would be better to create some kind of facility for the supporters."[6]

[edit] Football and charity work

Neville is a former director of English Football League club Bury.[7][8] He was the spearhead and vice-chairman of the "save our shakers" appeal which was a bid to give financial assistance to the struggling football club after it had gone into administration.[9][8]

The campaign was "brilliantly orchestrated"[8] by Neville and he was praised for tirelessly organising supporters groups, giving media interviews and working closely with the administrators to arrange a deal to secure the club's safety. It is said that Bury owe Neville "a huge debt".[8]

[edit] Comical name

Neville has achieved somewhat of a cult status among football fans, not least because of his unusual name but also because of his recent raucous partying with the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of the England players that took place in Germany at the last World Cup. Neville stood on a couch at a local restaurant and bar and proceeded to lead the WAGs in singing the national anthem and smashing their champagne glasses.[10]

His name is part of what has been called "one of the best chants in football":[11][12]

Neville Neville, they're in defence
Neville Neville, their future's immense
Neville Neville, they ain't half bad
Neville Neville, the name of their dad

(Sung to the tune of David Bowie's 'Rebel Rebel')

[edit] References

  1. ^ Peter Stafford (March 1989). Bolton Cricket League Review. Accessed 2007-12-15.
  2. ^ a b Gareth A Davies (June 12, 2006). My sport: Tracey Neville The Telegraph. Accessed 2007-12-15.
  3. ^ Barely a glance as Neville boys are brothers in arms no (12 December 2005) "The Independent". Accessed December 18, 2007
  4. ^ Not So Secret Agent (February 16 2007) "The Guardian". Accessed December 18, 2007
  5. ^ Football: The Nevilles sign for life (25 July 2004) "Sunday Mirror". Accessed December 18, 2007
  6. ^ Neville puts benefit on hold (21 August 2002) "BBC Sport". Accessed December 18, 2007
  7. ^ Extra Time (March 11, 2002) "BBC Sport".
  8. ^ a b c d Forever Bury (June 1, 2007) "Bury Football Club". Accessed 2007-12-18.
  9. ^ Neville Comes To Shakers' Aid (March 11, 2002) "BBC Sport". Accessed 2007-12-18.
  10. ^ Gysin, C., Lampert, N (June 24, 2006). 19 Bottles of Bubbly, Dancing on Chairs and Smashed Glasses. Another Night Out For the Wags "Daily Mail". Accessed 2007-12-18
  11. ^ Anything you can do... (January 12, 2003) Observer Sport Monthly. Accessed 2007-12-15.
  12. ^ Sport's family fortunes (August 20, 2002) BBC Sport. Accessed 2007-12-15.