The Best Possible Replacements for Gary Neville on Sky Sports
Hidden among the varied reactions to Gary Neville's appointment as Valencia manager on Wednesday was the concern over how his previous employers would fare without the former Manchester United man in their ranks.
While the Neville revolution begins in eastern Spain, attention turns to who will replace Gary—whose punditry has been a welcome addition to the Sky Sports lineup since his retirement in 2011—on Monday Night Football.
We've cast our eye over the potential (and not-so-potential) candidates and compiled a shortlist of ex-players, managers and pundits who we think could do a fine job filling the shoes of the outgoing Neville.
Michael Owen
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Nothing quite unifies the footballing community quite like Michael Owen.
The ex-Liverpool striker's post-retirement foray into commentary and punditry has been an eventful one, if not always for the right reasons.
More irritating than insightful, we're convinced that Owen would bring viewers to Monday Night Football in the same way observers flock to a train wreck.
Brendan Rodgers
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Out of a job since being sacked by Liverpool earlier this season, the Northern Irishman's name has been whispered in connection with more than a few managerial vacancies in the subsequent months.
The former Swansea City and Reds boss could bring a bit of "character" back to punditry and go some way to repairing a reputation that was repeatedly battered while in charge at Anfield.
David Moyes
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Since being sacked by Manchester United two years ago, English football fans have been waiting patiently for the return of David Moyes.
Like Rodgers, he's been linked (ironically or otherwise) with almost every job under the sun, but after splitting with Real Sociedad last month he has yet to find new employment.
Absence has made the heart grow fonder, and now football fans are begging for the Scot's return.
Might we see the return of Moyesy on Mondays?
Garth Crooks
4 of 8Maybe the world is finally ready for more Garth Crooks.
Nowadays, the former Spurs and Stoke City man's analysis has become the thing of ridicule, and his fascinating 4-2-1-3-1 formation a piece of tactical history.
Perhaps Sky Sports could entice Crooks into a more prominent role where his infamous teams of the week can come under even more scrutiny?
Roy Keane
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It's been a while since Keane said or did something offensive, hasn't it?
The ex-Manchester United hardman is now preparing for Euro 2016 with the Republic of Ireland as an assistant manager, but we'd love to see him cast his opinion on the events of the 2015 Premier League season.
Wonder what Keane—whose internal spats were never known for their subtlety—thinks of Diego Costa's bib-tossing?
Andy Tate
6 of 8Sky Sports could send an almighty message to the footballing community by appointing Manchester United "superfan" Andy Tate to replace Neville.
It would sure be a risk to run with a candidate with such clear allegiance to the Red Devils, but it could be a risk that pays off.
There's a certain allure to his eloquence—he's the king of the soundbite—and while his opinions could be considered knee-jerk, we think he'd never back down from a good argument.
Chris Kamara
7 of 8Attention to detail has never been Kammy's strong point, but his enthusiasm is infectious and Monday Night Football could do with a good catchphrase.
Make this happen, Sky.
Jurgen Klopp
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Let's make no mistake here: Jurgen Klopp has rapidly become the most likeable manager in the Premier League.
While a career in broadcasting is unlikely to prise the "Normal One" from his current job at Anfield, we consider him the best case scenario to take over from Neville on Sky.
With his infectious smile, tactical nous and colourful choice of language, our weekly Premier League analysis would be much improved by the influence of the charismatic German.
