I think the time is right.
They say you know when you’re done and I really think the penny dropped for him and Moyes at halftime against Wigan- or maybe even after that ball to McMannaman for their second. It’s no wonder he’s hardly featured since. In Moyes‘ entire reign when has he not had Neville in the side, let alone squad for a huge away like Spurs was on Sunday? Writing was on the wall.
Sometimes, he was dogshit. Sometimes he was useful. Either way, he wasn’t one to run away and hide.
8 years as captain at our great club, okay, we never won anything under him and Moyes, but I can’t say it was his fault. When we needed him to stick away a penalty at Wembley or Stamford Bridge he was there and did so like a captain should.
Although he hasn’t ever been a youtube highlight reel player, there have been good moments in his career with us. Not just his couple of decent goals v Wolves and West Brom or his spawny, humerous goals v Bolton and Villa but stuff like his tackle against Ronaldo, his hyped up celebrations (pointing at Donovans name, mobbing Cahill at Anfield 09, lavvish celebrations v Chelsea in the FA cup, Doing the butterfly with Yak).
I don’t think we will miss Neville on the pitch ability wise, this season has proved his legs are gone but we will definitely miss him behind the scenes, especially if Moyes is still the manager. He will be a big hole in the dressing room and if anything, him leaving shortly after Cahill tells me we are, or soon will be in a period of transition. Question is obviously, will Moyes be the one to build this next team or not?
I think as a club we are short of leaders, Jagielka will walk into the captains role but I really don’t think that’s him (in the same way captaincy wasn’t for Cahill). Just because you are a lionhearted defender doesn’t make you a captain, even if most captains often seem to be of that ilk.
Anyway, I’m thankful to Neville, a 100%er, old school footballer- the type you don’t really see enough of anymore, who in the most part did what was needed. Cheers Phil
Another sure sign that Moyes is leaving!
No its not. Quite the opposite.
If anything, it means Moyes is staying. Moyes has obviously forced Neville to make this decision because he isnt in his plans for next season. If Moyes was leaving Neville would wait to see what our new manager would do with him.
Good point that Martin.