Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has claimed that the main reason that Gary Neville was handed the Valencia job is because he knows the club's owner Peter Lim.

Neville was surprisingly appointed as manager of the Spanish outfit last week, despite his lack of managerial experience.

Hughes has suggested that Neville got a helping hand from Lim, who is part owner of Salford City with the former Manchester United captain.

"There is a reason Gary is getting the opportunity he is getting, because of the ownership," The Mirror quotes Hughes as saying.

"Sometimes it's not what you know it's who you know that gives you a foot in the door. I am pleased he has gone ahead and grasped it. Why wouldn't he?"

Neville will work alongside his brother Phil, who has been assistant boss at the Mestalla since July.