Blackpool appoint their new manager who stood in twice as Liverpool boss, that man is Neil Critchley, who is a replacement for Simon Grayson.
He has agreed to become Head Coach of the club, who sit 13th in the League One table, on a contract that runs until the end of the 2022/23 season.
? Blackpool Football Club is delighted to announce that @LFC Under-23s coach Neil Critchley has agreed to become Head Coach on a contract that runs until the end of the 2022/23 season.
? #UTMP https://t.co/nGw3FdNlkx pic.twitter.com/pIUevB0HTR
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) March 2, 2020
Owner Simon Sadler said: “I would like to welcome Neil as he joins us on our journey and thank Liverpool for the way they have handled our approach. The fact that we’ve been able to attract a coach of Neil’s calibre is testament to how this Club is now viewed and is a result of the work that has been done here over recent months.
“Neil is a highly-regarded coach who impressed us with his thorough preparation and analysis of the team. We want this Club to represent the town and community by playing entertaining football, working hard and being organised. We firmly believe that Neil can deliver this and lay down the blueprint for our footballing philosophy.
“Finally, I would like to thank Brett, Linton and, particularly, Ben for their hard work during this process and a special thanks to David Dunn and Tommy Johnson for stepping up on an interim basis to take charge of the team.”
Chief Executive Ben Mansford said: “I am delighted to welcome Neil to Blackpool FC. Neil is one of the most talented coaches in the country and comes with a wealth of experience. From starting his coaching journey, to taking the Liverpool team this season, Neil has committed his professional life to becoming the best.
“When you combine his time spent at Crewe, which ultimately saw him become Academy Director and where the target was to develop individuals, with his seven years at Liverpool, the last three of which were spent with their highly regarded Under-23s, where the team was supreme, I feel we have a stand out person to lead Blackpool forwards with our own aims of returning to the Championship and beyond.
“On top of his coaching credentials, Neil is also a great person who is regarded as being a man of real integrity. I can’t wait for Neil to get started and I am looking forward to working with him closely.”
Head Coach Neil Critchley added: “I am absolutely delighted to join Blackpool. The trust and faith that has been shown in me from Simon and Ben gives me a very special feeling inside. I can’t wait to get started, I’m really looking forward to the weeks and months ahead, meeting the players, working on the grass, developing the team and meeting some of the supporters.
“The time I’ve had at Liverpool has been truly special. I’ve been incredibly well supported there from Alex Inglethorpe, the Academy Manager, and all the staff. It’s a truly special football club and it’s the people that make the football club the place that it is. It would have had to have taken something equally as special, if not more, for me to even think about leaving.
“But from the conversations I’ve had here, I got a really good feeling about the people, where they want the Club to go and how they want it to grow.”
Fans gave their reaction as Blackpool appoint their new manager…
Exciting appointment on paper. ?
— Rob Walker (@TangerineRob) March 2, 2020
Right let’s get behind this guy ?
— Dan Franks (@Frank5y) March 2, 2020
Announce champions league
— Joe P (@josephpbfc) March 2, 2020
Queue everyone complaining it ain't Ian evatt
— James ??? (@_jameshealy_) March 2, 2020
Outstanding appointment!
— John B (@Bullwinkle76) March 2, 2020
Everyone complaining critchley hasn’t got as much experience as evatt. Difference being this guys worked with one of them best managers in the world. Brought through good players, and is an extremely good coach. Top class appointment imo.
— Andy Barber (@AndyBarber8) March 2, 2020
— Dan Mason (@DanMaseeee01) March 2, 2020
Really think this could be a top appointment this, very excited to see us play under him
— Danny Morgan (@bfcdannymorgan) March 2, 2020
Congratulations in appointing someone from outside the usual suspects of the Managerial Merry-go-round and someone with a great pedigree and doubtless fantastic contacts within the game. Welcome Neil and good luck I’m sure the rest of the season is going to be a blast!
— A Resolutionless Man (@simoans) March 2, 2020
A very highly thought of manager who has great experience at the best club in the land, at present. If he brings that style of football and work ethic we have chosen wisely. ????
— Sean Brookes (@53BFC53) March 2, 2020
Everyone has got to start somewhere and any manager that you appoint is always a gamble. Experience doesn’t always guarantee success and having worked closely with Klopp I’d expect he’s picked up a trick or two.
— Blackpool1953_ (@Blackpool1953_) March 2, 2020
A big loss as he’s clearly a talented and well-liked member of the coaching staff and did very well against Shrewsbury.
But too good an opportunity for him to turn down. Best of luck Neil.
— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) March 2, 2020
Sad.
Just read the article about Blackpool sniffing around Critch.
I wish him luck – he has done a wonderful job and earned his move.#YNWA
— Michael Bisset (@MJBisset_96) March 2, 2020
Good luck Neil! Thank you for everything.
— Robbie. (@BrazilianDM) March 2, 2020
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