Ryan Giggs Named Man United Coach

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ryan Giggs will take up a player-coach role next season. He is set to link up with former team-mate Phil Neville, who is also expected to be confirmed as part of David Moyes� backroom team. Moyes is trying to create a sense of continuity at Old Trafford and the decision to bring two respected players into his team should bode well. Giggs, 39, who signed a one-year extension last season, was delighted with his new responsibilities. The Welshman said �It�s a great privilege to be appointed a player-coach. �I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long.� Often linked with the United manager�s job at some point in the future, Giggs has been taking his coaching badges and is due to complete the UEFA Pro Licence next summer. Giggs added: �It�s no secret that I have been taking my qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career. �I�m really looking forward to working alongside David and the team.� With Steve Round, Chris Woods and Jimmy Lumsden following Moyes from Everton, some were concerned with the lack of United experience in David Moyes� staff. But the news that Neville was at the first full day of training under the new boss this morning, coupled with the Giggs announcement, should ease those fears. There are few players who can claim to know Manchester United as well as their Welsh flier Giggs. He won a record 13th Premier League title last term and was part in all but the first two of Alex Ferguson�s major triumphs. He will be an invaluable aid to Moyes as he learns the ropes, with the Scot due to face the media alongside skipper Nemanja Vidic tomorrow afternoon. Neville, meanwhile, made 386 appearances in 11 seasons as a first-team player with the Red Devils. During that time the 36-year-old won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League before leaving to join Everton in 2005. Moyes said: �I am delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player coach. �His success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivalled perspective on the modern game. �His career is an example to any aspiring young player and I�m sure that both he and the players will benefit from his new role.�