Blackpool boss makes leadership vow

Neil Critchley admits it’s down to him to provide the leadership and guidance required to kickstart Blackpool’s season.
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The Seasiders take on Crewe Alexandra today, looking for just their second win of the season having lost four of their opening five games.

Still in the early stages of his first job in senior management, Critchley knows all about the pressure he now faces.

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“When you take a job as the number one, you know what you’re buying into. I’m fully aware of the responsibility I have,” he said.

Blackpool head coach Neil CritchleyBlackpool head coach Neil Critchley
Blackpool head coach Neil Critchley

“Ultimately we get judged on what happens on the pitch on a Saturday at 3pm and rightly so.

“It’s not gone the way I would have liked so far, but it’s important we show what we’re about as a group, stick together, show some strength of character and believe in what we’re doing. That has to come from me.

“It’s important you get clarity, leadership and consistent messages, and that’s what we do with the players on a daily basis.

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“They’re looking at me for guidance, leadership and support. I like to be out on the grass every day with the players. I’m visible, I’m accessible and it’s important they hear my voice as well as the staff.

Football can change very quickly. We’ve got a lot of games coming up and the feeling we’ve got at the moment can change in a matter of days or weeks.”

Critchley added: “I think we’ve been severely punished in some of the games and I don’t think we’ve got what we’ve deserved so far.

“Could we have played better? Yes. Can we do more in certain aspects? Yes, but there are a lot of aspects of our performances that are good as well.

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“I didn’t think for one second we deserved to lose 4-1 (against Ipswich Town) last week, the stats will back that up.

“Again, it’s not all about stats obviously because the most important one is always the scoreline at the end, but if we keep performing to a certain level, then I’m confident the performances will lead to the results.

“What really pleased me last week was the response, the attitude and the work ethic in the second half because we gave everything after half-time. We got it back to 3-1 and had we got it back to 3-2, we had them on the ropes a little bit and they were wobbling.

“The one thing we can guarantee the supporters is a group of players that will give everything.”