David Dunn to stay at Blackpool and return to coaching role

The former Blackburn Rovers man took charge of Blackpool’s last four League One games as caretaker boss, claiming seven points.

Critchley was unveiled as Simon Grayson’s replacement on Monday and revealed he’s happy to work with the coaching team already in place.

That means working closely with Dunn and goalkeeping coach Steve Banks.

Tommy Johnson, who had stepped up to help out with coaching, is now likely to return to his day job as head of recruitment.

All four were on the touchline for yesterday’s reserves fixture at Huddersfield Town.

Critchley told The Gazette: “The team that has been in place over the last few games has done very well, so I’m going to be working with those people.

“I’m looking forward to meeting them. I’d like to think that’s one of my strengths – dealing with people and forging relationships.

“I think you’ve got to give credit to the team that’s here at the moment because I think they’ve done a great job with the team. I’m sure they’re going to be a big help for me between now and the end of the season.”

Dunn helped produce some markedly improved displays as interim boss.

After an unfortunate 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers and a 0-0 draw at AFC Wimbledon, Dunn then oversaw Pool’s first back-to-back home victories since November thanks to dramatic late winners against Bolton Wanderers and Ipswich Town.

Chief executive Ben Mansford said: “I’ve been really impressed with how David has stepped in, in what were really difficult circumstances.

“He was only brought to the football club on January 4, so he’s only been here a matter of weeks.

“When the person that brought him to the club was relieved of his duties, David was asked to step up and he did that.

“I think he’s done it very well and from the last four games I think he could feasibly have had 12 points.

“He is part of a team with Tommy Johnson and Steve Banks, who did excellently.

“What was so refreshing about Neil was how confident and comfortable he was with himself as a coach to say, ‘Of course I’ll work with the staff; of course everyone will get an opportunity.’

“I look forward to them two getting to know each other because they’re both really good people and have an abundance of good character and integrity. I’m looking forward to seeing how that develops.”