Blackpool's chief executive Ben Mansford plays down talk of Neil Critchley's lack of experience

The 41-year-old becomes Blackpool’s new number one on the back of a stellar coaching career.

Having come through the ranks at Crewe Alexandra, Critchley made the move to Liverpool where he coached both the Under-18 and Under-23 sides, bringing through the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Neco Williams.

While this is Critchley’s first foray into first-team management, Mansford has no concerns about any perceived lack of experience.

“I think there were a number of things attributed to what we did and didn’t want in the media,” he told The Gazette.

“I think this is a really important appointment for us at a really critical time for the football club as we continue to build and move forward from some really dark days.

“We want people that can develop players, can improve players as both individuals and as a group and we want to be a modern, progressive football club.

“I think he’s had nearly 20 years developing himself towards this point.

“What really stood out for me from the moment we started engaging with Neil, it was just a real calmness and confidence that he was ready.

“Therefore I think his experience of coaching and leading teams and getting teams to play a certain style of football that I think will resonate with our fantastic supporters, I think there’s more than enough experience in that regard.”

Critchley, who is regarded as one of the top coaches in Europe, is just one of 16 coaches in the country to have gained the highest possible qualification in the game.

This comes after he was hand-picked by the FA to take UEFA’s first elite badge course.

When it was put to Mansford that Blackpool couldn’t have hired a more qualified coach, the former Leeds and Barnsley man said: “I don’t think so, no.

“He’s one of the 16 that was fast-tracked to the greatest qualification that currently exists for English coaches.

“We really are so happy that he’s here and I think it’s important now, as we develop under Simon Sadler’s ownership, that we continue to invest in infrastructure and bring good people to the club.

“I think what I was impressed with the most about Neil from his time at Liverpool was how it was such a special club because of its people.

“I think what is incumbent on me and Simon to continue to build this football club on really good people and create a culture and environment that will enable us to thrive and have Blackpool back where it belongs.”