Blackpool: Critchley announced as new manager

Monday, 22 May 2023 16:23

The Seasiders opted for the experience of Neil Critchley, who previously managed the team from 2020 until 2022.

He returns on a 4 year deal. Upon his return he said “It feels special to be back and I’m thoroughly looking forward to the task that lies ahead."

The Seasiders have been absent of a permanent manager since January, following the sacking of Michael Appleton after a poor run of form which saw them finish 23rd of 24 teams in the Championship.

Mick McCarthy replaced Appleton in January on a deal until the end of the season but subsequently parted companies in April. Then development coach Stephen Dobbie succeeded McCarthy until the end of the campaign.

Neil Critchley previously managed Blackpool between 2020 until summer 2022, when he departed to take up a role in Stephen Gerrard's backroom staff at Aston Villa; a role which he left in October. Critchley then took charge of fellow Championship side Queens Park Rangers, but was subsequently relieved of duties in February.

His previous record at Blackpool saw him take charge of a mid-table Blackpool in League One, strengthening the squad before taking them on a promotion winning campaign back into the Championship for the first time under their new owners.

Following the appointment, Critchley's first task will be trying to hold on to as much of his current team as possible, following departures in recent weeks from the likes of Chris Maxwell, Gary Madine and Kevin Stewart.