Blackpool have confirmed that manager Neil Critchley has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with the Championship club.
The 43-year-old, who joined the Seasiders from Liverpool U23s in March 2020, has enjoyed huge success in his short spell at Bloomfield Road.
Neil Critchley Signs New Blackpool Contract
Success With the Seasiders
Despite his relatively short spell with Blackpool, Neil Critchley has enjoyed plenty of success during his time at Bloomfield Road.
The 43-year-old guided the Seasiders to promotion from League One in his first full season in charge with victory in the playoffs over Lincoln City, while they now sit tenth upon their return to the Championship.
The former Liverpool U23 head coach has instilled a strong football philosophy within the club and that has transferred successfully onto the pitch during his time in charge.
What Was Said
Blackpool owner Simon Sadler was delighted to see his manager commit his future. Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “Shortly after buying the club, I realised that coaching and player development was going to be critical to our future success and on first meeting Critch in early 2020, I was impressed with how enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable he was about the game of football.
“Importantly though, the board and I suspected that Neil was also primed to step up to first-team management. Since working with him I have found him to not only be an outstanding head coach but also to be the consummate football professional who works hard, is humble and is a man of great integrity.
“What continues to impress me though is that he not only gets what we are trying to achieve at Blackpool Football Club but that he really gets what this club and town are all about.
“There is nobody else out there that I would rather partner with to take this great club of ours forward and I relish watching Critch earn full legendary status over the coming seasons.
Neil Critchley added: “I am absolutely delighted. It has been an immensely happy time for me at Blackpool.
“I’ve enjoyed every second of being here. I’m thankful to Simon and the club for showing their commitment towards me. Due to the continued support of Simon, Brett and Ben, this has been an easy decision to make.
“I get to work with a great group of staff and a fantastic group of players who are hungry to improve. We have already shared some success, however, we are ambitious and I feel that we still have further development to come.
“With the support of our incredible fans, I’m hopeful that we can share some more happy times together in the future.”
Neil Critchley and Blackpool in the Championship
The Seasiders have settled into life in the second tier reasonably well. Critchley’s side currently sit tenth in the table with seven wins, four draws and six defeats in their 17 league matches.
Wins at Sheffield United and a home victory over rivals Preston North End have been highlights, while the Seasiders have also won on the road at Reading and Middlesbrough respectively. Critchley’s side have also picked up a win over high-flying Fulham.
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