Manchester United.

No-one can question Gary Neville’s ability and experience as a top premiership and international full back.

No-one can doubt his professionalism over a long and distinguished career, or the leadership qualities which have persuaded Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to hand him the coveted captain’s armband as Roy Keane’s successor.

In two respects, Gary will ensure that it is a seamless transition. Like Roy, he is extremely unlikely to admit he is wrong (his conversations with referees suggest that he is unaware of having ever committed a foul). And like the Irishman, he makes Victor Meldrew seem rather jolly.

A characteristic he shares with his recently departed brother Phil.

Thus the ironic nickname ‘Chuckle Brothers’.