Man Utd legend Gary Neville signs 'interim contract' with BBC as he lands Jamie Carragher dig

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has spoken about his decision to sign an 'interim contract' with hit BBC show Dragons' Den in a tongue-in-cheek video, in which he also lands a dig at Sky Sports chum Jamie Carragher.

It was confirmed earlier this year that the former full-back, who has turned his hand to business after hanging up his boots, would be a guest judge on the upcoming series of the show. Neville will join multi-millionaire Kardashian collaborator Emma Grede as a guest Dragon on the series in an attempt to freshen up the show in its 21st series by BBC bosses.

Speaking in a video shared on X, a smirking Neville said: "I'm absolutely delighted to join the Dragon' Den even if it is only for a very short period on an interim contract. I'm used to being an interim coach. I'm going to bring character, personality, drive, determination, hard work, all the things you'd want in a team player.

"The thing that made me sign for Dragons' Den was that, look, I had so many options on the table. I had offers from the US, I had offers from Asia but I decided to stay at home, where my roots are and sign.

"To see my picture up on the wall in that hall of fame is one of the great moments in my career. Walking through those lift doors is going to be like walking out at Old Trafford as a 19-year-old. Those lift doors are more famous than the Wembley tunnel.

"To follow in the footsteps of legends in the game like the (Duncan) Bannatynes of this world, the (Tej) Lalvanis, is something that I could never have imagined. This team that I'm joining has absolutely massive capabilities. Entrepreneurial skills, the flash centre forward, you can guess who that is. To work alongside people who've got a little bit of an intelligence will be a new thing for me. Sorry Carra."

Neville has become somewhat of a business tycoon since finishing his career at Old Trafford, balancing his investment portfolio with his punditry commitments. The 48-year-old has an estimated wealth of £20 million and will appear alongside Dragons' Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett when the show airs next year.

The Salford City owner owns a chain of hotels and townhouses including Hotel Football and Stock Exchange Hotel - where Madonna recently stayed with her entourage while preparing for tour.