I'm not certain that there is a case to be made for having to get your "management legs in the lower leagues". I think you have to get some experience somewhere and getting it in the lower leagues is only one way of doing it. I'm just not convinced a year managing Oldham Athletic would mean GN is significantly more prepared to manage Valencia. Now a year as a no. 2 at a Spanish club would be much more relevant.
I'm not certain that there is a case to be made for having to get your "management legs in the lower leagues". I think you have to get some experience somewhere and getting it in the lower leagues is only one way of doing it. I'm just not convinced a year managing Oldham Athletic would mean GN is significantly more prepared to manage Valencia. Now a year as a no. 2 at a Spanish club would be much more relevant.