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Neville plans for coaching role

Phil Neville: Everton captain preparing for life after his playing days end
Image: Phil Neville: Everton captain preparing for life after his playing days end

Everton's Phil Neville has indicated he is planning for a career in coaching once he retires from playing.

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Former England international could serve his country in future

Everton's Phil Neville has indicated he is planning for a career in coaching once he retires from playing. The 35-year-old received a surprise invite from England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce to join his staff for their Euro 2013 qualifier against Belgium back in February. His older sibling Gary, 37, has just been appointed to the coaching staff of the senior England team by Roy Hodgson for the Euro 2012 tournament this summer.

Linked

It was a role which the Toffees captain was reportedly considered for, but he maintains that playing is his priority at the moment. "It was an honour to be linked but there was no approach," he told the Daily Mail. "I am still a player. I think it would have been impossible for me to do it." However, the experience with the Under 21s whetted his appetite for coaching.
Experience
"To go away with the Under 21s was an amazing opportunity," he added. "I see David Moyes and other managers being obsessed with detail and sometimes think 'Switch off', but you can't. "Those three days were a perfect learning experience. It also made me realise what a special thing being involved for your country was."

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