Blackpool have confirmed that they have appointed Neil Critchley as their new manager. The 41-year-old joins from Liverpool, where he managed the clubs U23s.
Blackpool Appoint Former Liverpool U23s Boss Neil Critchley as New Manager
Previous Coaching Experience
Despite being regarded as one of the best coaches in the country, this is Critchley’s first official appointment as a first-team manager.
However, he has held the reigns for Liverpool – from whom he joins from – twice this season in domestic cup competitions. He oversaw a 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the League Cup in December, before masterminding a 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup last month.
During his time at Anfield he has overseen the development of a number of academy product, having managed the U18s before his latest role.
As a result, Blackpool are hoping that his experience can help guide them to a respectable finish in League One. The Tangerines are currently 13th in League One on 44 points.
What Was Said
Speaking to the official Blackpool website about joining the club, Critchley said: “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.”
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