Sunderland's fellow Championship rival Blackpool have announced the departure of first team coach Neil Critchley, as he exits Bloomfield Road for pastures new with Aston Villa. The 43-year-old had guided the Seasiders to safety this season but will now link up with Steven Gerrard once more at Villa Park.
Closely associated during their time at Liverpool in the past where he worked as under-23s manager, the decision has come somewhat out of the blue with Villa losing their assistant manager Michael Beale to Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday.
Blackpool will begin their search for a new head coach in due course, but will feel undoubted disappointment given their progress from League One and back into England's second tier this season.
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On the departure, Blackpool owner Simon Sadlier 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.”
Given Critchley had only signed a new deal with the club just last year to initially keep him with Blackpool until 2026, it may serve as potential boost for Sunderland too heading into their own 22/23 campaign.
