The decision was made to part ways with the ex-Liverpool figure after a disappointing start to the 2024/25 League One campaign.
Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Stockport County proved to be the 45-year-old’s final game in charge of the club, with the result following a 2-1 loss away to Crawley Town on the opening weekend.
Critchley was initially with Blackpool between 2020 and 2022, during which time he guided the club to the Championship via the play-offs.
After leaving the Fylde Coast to become Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Aston Villa, he returned to Bloomfield Road last summer, but failed to replicate his past success, with the Seasiders finishing eighth in League One.
Richard Keogh has taken interim charge, and is in the dugout for the game against Cambridge. It’s currently unknown how he’ll set up, and whether he’ll follow Critchley’s 3-5-2 formation or go his own way.
Here’s our predicted XI and bench:
13. SUB: Mackenzie Chapman
Mackenzie Chapman could feature on the bench this weekend. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
14. SUB: Matthew Pennington
Despite his brace in the cup against Burton, it's been a tough start to the season for Matthew Pennington. Photo: CameraSport -
15. SUB: CJ Hamilton
After starting against Crawley, CJ Hamilton was named on the bench last week against Stockport. Photo: CameraSport -
16. SUB: Zac Ashworth
Zac Ashworth joined Blackpool in the summer from West Brom. Photo: CameraSport - Stephen White
17. SUB: Ryan Finnigan
Ryan Finnigan made his first start for the Seasiders in the defeat to Stockport. Photo: CameraSport -
18. SUB: Ashley Fletcher
Ashley Fletcher marked his Seasiders debut with a fortunate goal against Crawley. Photo: CameraSport -