How does Neil Critchley compare to other Blackpool managers? A look at his stats on the first anniversary of his appointment

The Seasiders currently sit in 13th place in the League One table, which is the same position they finished last season after final placings were decided by a points-per-game average.

But that doesn’t tell the whole story.

After 27 games last season, Blackpool had won eight, drawn 10 and lost nine times, leaving them 15th with 34 points.

Under Critchley, the Seasiders are nine points better off, sitting in 13th with 13 victories, just four draws and 10 defeats.

A 2-1 defeat against Oxford United in Blackpool’s 27th game last season left Simon Grayson’s side 13 points off the play-offs.

This season, the Seasiders - who are one of the division’s form sides with five wins from their last six games - are only six points off the top six.

This is impressive given Blackpool’s horrendous start to the campaign, which saw them lose six of their opening nine encounters.

Take away those nine fixtures and Blackpool have won 11 of their last 18 games, losing just four times.

Critchley’s men are also playing catch-up having suffered seven postponements this term - four for weather conditions and three due to Covid-19 outbreaks among opposition squads.

Blackpool have four games in hand on Charlton Athletic, Crewe Alexandra and Plymouth Argyle, who are the three sides directly above them in the league table.

Accrington Stanley, Ipswich Town and Oxford, who sit seventh, eighth and ninth respectively, have all played two more games than the Seasiders.

So how has Critchley fared so far as Blackpool boss?

In all competitions, combining last season’s two games and this season’s 36 games, Critchley has a win ratio of 42.10 per cent, with 16 wins, 10 draws and 12 defeats.

In the league this season, Critchley boasts an impressive win ratio of 48.14 per cent, with 13 wins from 27 games.

For context, Simon Grayson had a win ratio of 37 per cent during his first stint as Blackpool boss (league games only).

Ian Holloway had a 37.76 per cent win ratio, although this must be caveated by the fact the Seasiders were playing in the top flight for one of the seasons he was in charge.

Gary Bowyer’s win ratio was 36.52 per cent, Terry McPhillips’ was 37.5 per cent, while Grayson’s was 34.38 per cent in his second spell.

Critchley’s record as Blackpool boss:

2019/20

Played: 2

Won: 0

Drew: 1

Lost: 1

2020/21

LEAGUE

Played: 27

Won: 13

Drew: 4

Lost: 10

Win ratio: 48.14%

ALL COMPETITIONS

Played: 36

Won: 16

Drew: 9

Lost: 11

Win ratio: 44.44%

BOTH SEASONS

Played: 38

Won: 16

Drew: 10

Lost: 12

Win ratio: 42.10%

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