Heart attack kills footballers’ dad Neville Neville at 65

Mr Neville, 65, died in hospital in Sydney, Australia, today after collapsing from a heart problem.

He was travelling with his daughter Tracey, who is England Netball head coach, for the Netball World Cup, when he was taken seriously ill.

Gary and Phil flew out as soon as they heard their dad had been taken ill and were at his bedside, it has been reported.

A statement from the family said: “We would like to thank everyone at St Vincent’s hospital in Sydney for the fantastic care and attention that dad received in the last few days and for their support.

“Tracey will remain with England throughout the tournament and we ask that she is allowed to concentrate on her role with the team.”

A spokesman for England Netball said: “England Netball is saddened to announce that Neville Neville, father of head coach Tracey, passed away at hospital earlier this evening in Sydney.

“Our immediate thoughts are with Tracey and the Neville family and we please ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time.

“Tracey has chosen to remain with the England team for the remainder of the World Cup and has the full support from everyone at England Netball.”

Mr Neville, who lived in Bury, Greater Manchester, was a former director of his hometown club Bury FC.

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Bury FC paid tribute to “big Nev” and sent its “deepest condolences” to the Neville family.

“It is with deep regret and extremely heavy hearts that we announce the sudden death of former commercial manager, director and club ambassador, Neville Neville,” a spokesman said.

“Neville, along with wife and club secretary Jill, were in Australia to support daughter Tracey, the current England Netball team manager, in their quest for World Cup Glory.

“Neville was taken seriously ill on Tuesday and unfortunately did not recover, passing away earlier today.

“Our deepest condolences are extended to Jill, Gary, Philip and Tracey and the entire Neville family.

“Bury FC will pay tribute to Neville in due course and we ask everyone to allow the Neville family the time to grieve privately at this exceptionally sad time.

“We would like to end this statement by simply saying - ‘Where would this Club be without Neville?’

“Rest in Peace big Nev.”

Twitter was flooded with messages of support and condolences for the Neville family from fans and footballers.

Coleen Rooney, wife of England striker Wayne, said: “Devastated hearing the sad news of Neville Neville passing away. Such a lovely man and great character. My prayers are with all his family.”

Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel posted: “Sad news that Big Nev has passed away, deepest sympathies to @GNev2 @fizzer18 @traceynev and all the Neville family on their loss. #Ripnev”

A spokesman for Manchester United said: “We are sad to learn that Neville Neville, father of Gary and Phil, has passed away.

“Our condolences go out to his family.”