Former Liverpool under-23s manager Neil Critchley has left his role as Blackpool boss to join Steven Gerrard's coaching staff at Aston Villa.
The 43-year-old will fill the void left by Michael Beale, another ex-Liverpool Academy coach, who was yesterday appointed as the new first-team manager of QPR. No stranger to Gerrard, Critchley, who will become assistant head coach at Villa Park, was in charge of the Reds' under-23s side while the legendary Liverpool midfielder oversaw the under-18s during the 2017/18 season.
Critchley gained seven years of managerial experience within the Reds' Academy system and was handed the chance to oversee the first-team on two occasions in 2019/20 as Jurgen Klopp's side competed at the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar. Ending his association with the club in 2020, he took the reins at Blackpool and guided the Seasiders to promotion in his first campaign at the helm. Among the players who helped the team seal a return to the second tier was Matty Virtue, who reunited with Critchley at Bloomfield Road.
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Securing a 16th-placed finish at Championship level during the current campaign represented a positive first season back at this level, with supporters pleased with the progress being made by the team. Commenting on the loss of Critchley, 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."
