The Premier League Hall of Fame was launched in 2021 and Gary Neville is nominated this year, but the former Manchester United captain has confessed that he is not a fan of the accolade
Gary Neville speaking
Gary Neville has questioned the criteria for the Premier League Hall of Fame
(Image: YouTube/The Overlap)
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has declared he's "not a fan" of the Premier League Hall of Fame, despite receiving a nomination this year.
The honour was introduced in 2021 and has already welcomed numerous top-flight legends from previous eras. However, Neville highlighted concerns about apparent inconsistencies in the selection process, noting how the pool of nominated players has decreased over the years.
The Premier League has also faced criticism for some notable omissions. Talking on the Stick to Football podcast, joined by Jamie Carragher, Hall of Famer Ian Wright, Jill Scott and former nominee Roy Keane, Neville disclosed his scepticism about the ceremony and its broad selection criteria.
"What do we think of the Hall of Fame? I'm not a fan of the Hall of Fame," Neville said, sparking the discussion. The ex-England defender then listed those celebrated in the Hall of Fame's inaugural year, which featured eight players.
These comprised David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard and Alan Shearer. Neville subsequently outlined this year's candidates.
Patrice Evra and Teddy Sheringham received their first nominations, while Neville, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar and Michael Owen made a return having been previously considered. Sol Campbell, Jermain Defoe, Cesc Fabregas, Les Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Eden Hazard, David Silva and Yaya Toure complete the list of 2025 nominees.
Neville highlighted how, following the initial two years where eight former players were inducted annually, the past two years have witnessed five and three respectively. Only two players will be granted admission to the Hall of Fame for 2025.
Alan Shearer and Ian Wright attend the Premier League Hall of Fame 2022
Alan Shearer and Ian Wright are both in the Hall of Fame
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?"
Former Arsenal star Wright, who gained entry in 2022, described it as a prestigious accolade. However, he found it difficult to determine how you distinguish between 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 said: "What are you measuring though? I don't understand what you're measuring." He added: "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."
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame
In 2021 and 2022, a total of 16 players were inducted. However, the format changed in 2023, with former United and Arsenal managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, joining the ranks alongside Tony Adams, Petr Cech and Rio Ferdinand.
In contrast, 2024 saw Andy Cole, Ashley Cole and John Terry brought into the fold, with no managers included. The Premier League states: "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."
They go on to say that it's "the highest individual honour awarded by the League." Supporters can cast their votes for potential inductees on the Premier League website and app until September 15.
The results will then be put forward to the current 24 Hall of Famers, including Ferguson and Wenger, who will make the final decision on which two stars will be inducted.