Gary Neville not happy with Premier League Hall of Fame despite nomination

Former Manchester United captainGary Neville has claimed he is "not a fan" of the Premier League hall of fame. That's despite him being nominated for inclusion this year.

The accolade was launched in 2021and has already seen several top-flight stars of yesteryear inducted. Yet Neville expressed an issue with a perceived inconsistency of those chosen for inclusion, with the number of players nominatedhaving shrunk over time.

The Premier League has also come under fire for some high-profile snubs. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, alongside Jamie Carragher, Hall of Famer Ian Wright, Jill Scott and, former nominee, Roy Keane, Neville revealed that is yet to be convinced by the ceremony and its wide-ranging criteria.

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“What do we think of the Hall of Fame? I'm not a fan of the Hall of Fame," Neville said, as he ignited the debate. The former England defender then reeled off the names of those honoured in the Hall of Fame's maiden year, which featured eight players.

This included: David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard and Alan Shearer. Neville then proceeded to read out this year's nominations.

Patrice Evra and Teddy Sheringham are nominated for the first time, while Neville, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar and Michael Owen return having been previously shortlisted.

Sol Campbell, Jermain Defoe, Cesc Fabregas, Les Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Eden Hazard, David Silva and Yaya Toure complete the list of 2025 nominees.

Neville addressed how, after the first two years, where eight ex-players were inducted each year, the last two years have seen five and three respectively. Just two players will be granted entry into the Hall of Fame for 2025.

Neville continued: "They just put three last year and five the year before. Year one there was eight, year two there was eight. I don't know, it's a bit of a strange thing. I mean, I'm one of the nominees for this year. What is it about the whole thing?”

Ex-Arsenal star Wright, who was inducted in 2022, claimed it was a prestigious honour. But he struggled on just how you separate those nominated.

“I think it is quite a big deal," Wright said. "But the fact is, is that going back to that list, all of those players, you could probably put a case for."

Neville continued: "What are you measuring though? I don't understand what you're measuring." Before adding: “Because they started it late, they've obviously decided that again, eight people in the Hall of Fame is a bit like... and obviously they've just filled it early and then they've sort of dwindled it back."

A total of 16 players were included in 2021 and 2022. Yet 2023 saw a change in format with former United and Arsenal managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, included amongst the players, alongside Tony Adams, Petr Cech and Rio Ferdinand.

However, 2024 saw Andy Cole, Ashley Cole and John Terry drafted in, with no managers included. The Premier League says: "The Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates individuals who have an exceptional record of success and have made a significant contribution to the Premier League since its inception in 1992."

The league goes on to claim that it's "the highest individual honour awarded by the League." Fans can vote for who they would like to see join the Hall of Fame on the Premier League website and app until September 15.

The results will then be presented to the 24 current Hall of Famers, including Sir Alex and Wenger, who will make the final decision on which two stars will be inducted.

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