'We’ve always wanted that extra voice': Neil Critchley on the appointment of Colin Calderwood to Blackpool's coaching staff

Neil Critchley says it was always the plan to add an “extra voice” to Blackpool’s coaching staff.
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It comes after former Nottingham Forest and Northampton Town manager Colin Calderwood joined the club’s backroom team on Friday.

The 55-year-old, who will now work alongside Critchley and fellow assistant head coach Mike Garrity, got to work on Saturday during Blackpool’s 2-1 win at Burton Albion.

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The Gazette understands Calderwood was Critchley’s appointment and received the full backing of the club.

“That was always the plan, we’ve always wanted that extra voice,” Critchley said of Calderwood’s arrival.

“I’m delighted Colin has decided to join us, you’ve only got to look at his experience as both a player, a manager and as an assistant manager too.

“Having spoken to Colin, I think he’ll complement our existing group of staff and I think he’ll be a massive help to myself, the staff and the group of players moving forward.”

Colin Calderwood has joined Blackpool's backroom staffColin Calderwood has joined Blackpool's backroom staff
Colin Calderwood has joined Blackpool's backroom staff
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Calderwood will have also been on the training ground on Sunday as Blackpool got right back to it after their weekend win.

There is no rest for the Seasiders, who take on struggling Wigan Athletic at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday night.

“We actually trained on Sunday, some of the players recovered and others trained,” Critchley added.

“We follow our training schedule for a reason, so we’re always in on a Sunday when we play on Tuesday night.

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“We follow a process that we believe in because training is really important, particularly for the players who haven’t played on Saturday. They need to be physically ready if they’re called upon.

“If they’re getting days off, then those players are missing out on a valuable opportunity to build up their fitness.

“Of course the schedule is flexible and we have to use our initiative and our feeling after games when you take into account travelling and things like that, but we have a way of working and it’s something I’ve been used to and fortunately the players are buying into it as well.”