ASTON VILLA have quickly moved to appoint Neil Critchley as an assistant head coach after Michael Beale's exit for QPR.
Former Rangers coach Beale left the Premier League club to take over at the London side in his first role as a head coach.
But Steven Gerrard has quickly replaced the well-respected coach as he brought in Blackpool boss Critchley to his coaching staff.
The coach has a previous working relationship with Gerrard from his time at Liverpool and will take up an assistant head coach role at Villa Park.
A Blackpool statement read: "Blackpool Football Club can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Aston Villa for Head Coach Neil Critchley to join Steven Gerrard’s coaching staff.
"The 43-year-old, who knows Gerrard from his previous role at Liverpool, has accepted the position of Assistant Head Coach at Villa Park, which was recently vacated by Michael Beale.
"Appointed at Blackpool in March 2020, Neil Critchley leaves the Club following a successful period in charge, having guided the Seasiders to a Championship promotion, via the play-offs, in his first, full season at Bloomfield Road."
Blackpool owner Simon Sadler said: “Neil has been a consummate professional ever since arriving at Blackpool and really bought into what this Club and Town are all about. He has built up strong relationships with the staff, players and supporters and made some special memories for us all.
“Naturally, we are disappointed to lose him, but thank him for all that he has achieved during his time at Bloomfield Road and wish him well in the Premier League with Aston Villa.
“Our primary focus now turns to succession planning and making the best possible appointment to continue taking this great Club of ours forward.”
