Gary Neville QUITS as chief executive of Salford City with Man Utd legend to be replaced by ex-Red Devils pal Nicky Butt

GARY NEVILLE has stepped down from his role as chief executive of Salford City.

The former Manchester United star remains a co-owner of the Ammies but has handed over the running of the club to former team-mate Nicky Butt.

PA

Gary Neville has quit as chief executive of Salford City[/caption]

AFP

Ex-Manchester United team-mate Nicky Butt will replace his former team-mate[/caption]

Neville, 47, has acted as Salford CEO since buying the club eight years ago alongside Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Peter Lim and brother Phil.

The pundit oversaw the club’s rise from step eight of the English pyramid to the fourth tier, winning promotion to League Two in 2019.

Salford also won the Football League Trophy in 2020 – their first honour at a professional level.

But with Neville splitting his time between Salford, Sky Sports and his property work, he feels he is unable to give the club the attention it needs.

He said in a statement: “As the club has developed with such pace it needs someone who can concentrate on the club and be there every day, and Nicky is the ideal candidate to do this.

“I have enjoyed my eight years and can’t believe how much we have achieved in that time, and how proud I am of the hard work everyone at the club has put in to make a dream we had whilst on a train, turn into a reality.

“I will now be able to sit back and enjoy the game on match days safe in the knowledge that it is in good hands.

“I’d like to thank Peter Lim and the other lads for everything they’ve done, all the staff, on and off the pitch, that I have worked with for your commitment and dedication and the fans who have been with us from the beginning.”

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David Beckham is also a co-owner of Salford after purchasing a 10 per cent stake in 2019, but it is Butt who Neville has entrusted to take over.

The former England and United midfielder is pleased to take on the responsibility and sent a message to the fans of the League Two club.

It read: “I am delighted and welcome this opportunity, this pressure, this responsibility.

“The club, staff, team and fans are everything and what makes this club special, and why we fell in love with the club all those years ago.

“I accept the responsibility that brings, the responsibility of the long-term vision whilst concentrating on the short-term goals and what is needed now and will work hard to take the club to where we believe it can be.”