New head coach Neil Critchley out to win the 'Blackpool way' after making switch from Liverpool

New head coach Neil Critchley believes he’s the right man to help establish the ‘Blackpool way’.
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Liverpool's Neil Critchley officially unveiled as Blackpool's new head coach - v...

The 41-year-old has become the club’s replacement for Simon Grayson, who was sacked in February after just seven months in charge.

He was yesterday unveiled to the press, taking part in a press conference alongside chief executive Ben Mansford where he spoke of his pride at taking the job.

Critchley has signed a contract until the end of the 2022/23 seasonCritchley has signed a contract until the end of the 2022/23 season
Critchley has signed a contract until the end of the 2022/23 season
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Critchley, who moves from his role as Liverpool’s Under-23 coach, signs a contract that runs until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

When asked by The Gazette what Blackpool fans can expect from a Neil Critchley side, he explained: “A team that plays with intensity and energy.

“We want to dominate the ball so we decide what happens on the pitch and we want to be a team that plays on the front foot with exciting, attacking football.

“We want a style that the people of the town can identify themselves with, because it’s important the messages we give on the pitch transcends to the stands.

Critchley with chief executive Ben MansfordCritchley with chief executive Ben Mansford
Critchley with chief executive Ben Mansford
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“With the loyal support we’ve got here and the passionate support, I think it could make for a really good mixture.”

Critchley takes over a side that have just enjoyed their first back-to-back wins since November under the caretaker charge of David Dunn - who will remain part of Critchley’s backroom staff.

The Seasiders are, however, looking at a mid-table finish this season unless they can enjoy a remarkable run in their final 11 games of the campaign.

When asked what his aims are for the remainder of the season and beyond that, Critchley added: “I understand this is a club that has been successful not too long ago and it’s built on winning football matches.

Critchley's first game in charge will be against Fleetwood Town on SaturdayCritchley's first game in charge will be against Fleetwood Town on Saturday
Critchley's first game in charge will be against Fleetwood Town on Saturday
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“I want to win football matches but I want to do it in a way that we can all be proud of and identify with what is a ‘Blackpool team’.

“If we do that, I’m confident we can be successful together and we can win football games.

“Where that takes us, who knows? But let’s enjoy the journey and see what happens.”

This will be Critchley’s first role as a number one having coached Liverpool’s Under-23s since the summer of 2017.

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He had previously been in charge of the Under 18s at Anfield for four years.

Critchley has even taken charge of Liverpool’s first-team on two occasions this season in the absence of Jurgen Klopp.

On whether those experiences gave him the ‘bug’ to be a number one full-time, Critchley said: “I’ll be honest, my passion is working and developing teams and players.

“They were fantastic occasions, I loved both nights and they were very special, but I just get a buzz off watching my teams play wherever they are.

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“That’s what makes me proud, when my players take to the pitch and they represent me and hopefully this football club in the right and play the way we hope they will.

“That gives me a buzz and that can be anywhere.”