Neil Critchley: Great to be back at Blackpool and feeling like a coach again

The Seasiders recently returned to pre-season training to begin preparations for the start of the 2020/21 campaign, which is due to kick off on September 12.

Blackpool’s head coach has been pleased with his squad’s early work and believes there are some encouraging signs for the weeks and months ahead.

Critchley said: “It’s been great to be back out on the grass. I finally feel like a football coach again!

“It’s been good to be among the boys again – just having that social interaction is massive.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the players so far – their application and attitude has been outstanding.

“The way they’ve returned in regard to their physical condition has been very encouraging.”

While the reality of pre-season training looks a lot different to previous years due to Covid restrictions, Critchley prefers to focus on the positives.

“You have to be inventive,” he added. “You have to be innovative with the work you do but it’s actually helped us to work in small groups.

“It means we can do unit work and start to build in a few ideas of how we want to play, so I think it’s been beneficial for us.”

Pool’s squad has been bolstered by five signings this summer – Keshi Anderson, Marvin Ekpiteta, CJ Hamilton, Oliver Sarkic and Jerry Yates – and Critchley is encouraged by what he’s seen on and off the pitch.

“They’ve settled into the group very well. I’ve been really impressed,” he said.

“That’s not just because of their ability and what they’re going to bring to the club on the pitch, but also how they’ve been off the pitch as well, which is immensely important for the group going forward.

“I’m really encouraged with what I’ve seen so far and that goes for all the players within the group.

“It’s been a good atmosphere to work in on a daily basis and I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve seen so far.”

It’s not just Blackpool’s squad that has improved this summer – the club’s Squires Gate training ground has also been given a much-needed facelift.

“It’s lovely to have a base to work from every day,” Critchley said. “It’s really important to have the right environment, where you can develop your way of working on a daily basis.

“To have something you can call your own is really important. It helps to build a spirit, a togetherness, and I think that will be really important for us in what will be a really tough season in terms of the games we’re going to face in a short period of time.

“The base is improving. It’s a work in progress and I’m really grateful for the support and help we’ve had to put it in place.”