Liverpool confirmed on their official website and Twitter channel @LFC this morning that the club’s under-23s coach Neil Critchley has departed the Merseysiders after being appointed as the new head coach of League One side Blackpool, news that has disappointed a lot of Reds supporters.
U23s coach Neil Critchley has left the club to take up the position of head coach at @BlackpoolFC.
Everybody at #LFC would like to thank Neil for his outstanding contribution to the club and wish him all the best in his new position. https://t.co/BvrRPBeSJh
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 2, 2020
The 41-year-old had been involved with the Anfield club’s Academy since September 2013 and took charge of the Reds’ under-23s four years later. He twice took charge of first team matches this season, the Carabao Cup defeat to Aston Villa when Jurgen Klopp and the senior squad were in Qatar for the Club World Cup and the FA Cup replay win over Shrewsbury when Klopp allowed the senior players to adhere to their planned winter break.
Critchley won 29 of his 64 matches in charge of Liverpool’s under-23 side, working with several players who have since gone on to feature for the first team, including Curtis Jones, Caoimhin Kelleher, Neco Williams and Rhian Brewster.
Following the announcement of his new role as Blackpool head coach, these Reds fans took to Twitter to express their dismay at seeing Critchley leaving the Merseysiders:
Gutted! Wish him all the best though. #YNWA
— Corin Matthews ???????????? (@C_Matthews94) March 2, 2020
Didn’t see that coming
— George Goldie (@GeorgeGoldie2) March 2, 2020
Nooooo. Didn’t see this coming at all. Good luck Neil.
— ?6?? (@chielinilookout) March 2, 2020
A big loss as he’s clearly a talented and well-liked member of the coaching staff and did very well against Shrewsbury.
But too good an opportunity for him to turn down. Best of luck Neil.
— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) March 2, 2020
Sad to lose him but good luck Critch! ???
— Esther Lois (@littlemiss_lane) March 2, 2020
Sad news for LFC. All the best Neil
— Poz Str8 (@poz_str8) March 2, 2020
Big loss, thanks for everything Neil, good luck!
— MrJohnSherry (@MrJohnSherry) March 2, 2020
Liverpool fans, what do you make of Critchley’s appointment at Blackpool? Are you happy to see him getting a chance to manage at senior level or are you saddened to see him leave the Reds? Have your say by commenting below!
