Neil Critchley hopes sun shines on Blackpool against Fleetwood as former Liverpool coach reflects on a 'whirlwind' few days

The 41-year-old takes charge of his first game as Blackpool’s new boss when his side make the short journey to take on neighbours Fleetwood Town.

The former Liverpool Under-23 coach has got straight to work with the players since arriving on Monday and he’s excited to be parading the touchline for the first time this weekend.

“It’s been a whirlwind last few days and week, but it’s been great to get out on the grass over the last couple of days,” Critchley said.

“Some of the staff and players have been saying I brought the sunshine with me, so long may that continue.

“But I’ve enjoyed the last few days. The people have been so welcoming and so friendly and I’m delighted to be part of this football club.

“I’ve found the group exactly what I thought they were going to be after I watched a lot of the games prior to coming here.

“There’s a real spirit and togetherness amongst them and their attitude towards training and the enthusiasm they’ve shown has been first class. This is my assessment of them over the last 48 hours.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last couple of days and I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Critchley’s first game couldn’t have been much tougher, with the Seasiders taking on a Fleetwood side that are enjoying a rich vein of form.

Joey Barton’s side have climbed up into the League One play-off spots after a run of six wins in seven, having also gone 10 games unbeaten.

But Critchley insists he can’t wait to get stuck in and says this is the perfect game to make his Blackpool bow.

“Why not pick this game? Why not? It’s a fantastic game to start in,” he added.

“There’s the old cliche that there’s no easy games, well there aren’t in this division from what I’ve seen.

“You’ve only got to look at our last four results and how those games have gone.

“I don’t think there will be a lot between the two teams on Saturday and it will be that little bit of detail, a little bit of luck or those fine margins might make a difference.

“Hopefully the sunshine keeps smiling and it shines on us on Saturday.”

Anticipating what will be his first game as an EFL boss, Critchley added: “It will be a proud moment for myself, but my pride always comes from how the players have performed on the pitch.

“If they play like how I expect a Blackpool team to play, then that’s where my pride comes from.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how we cope with the atmosphere, the environment and the game.

“But I’ve got no doubts from what I’ve seen of the experience we have in the squad that we’ll be ready for Saturday.”