CRITCHLEY’S STAR IS ON THE RISE
From Klopp’s understudy to centre stage. . .
Neil CritChley started coaching at Crewe’s academy in his teens but there is a sense that this moment, taking charge of his first Football league fixture, did not figure in the grand plan.
he prefers to work in the background. he is a coach’s coach, one who was never going to turn up at Fleetwood in a suit.
the attention of becoming Blackpool manager is not something the 41-year-old relishes but that will diminish now after a whirlwind week when the Seasiders made the surprising and progressive appointment.
While Critchley may have viewed first-team management — and all the extra stuff it entails these days — with reluctance some time ago, his journey ought to galvanise the hundreds of young coaches up and down the country plugging away, waiting for a chance at any level.
With no playing career to speak of, Critchley returned to Crewe after spells in non-league and rose to become academy manager at Gresty road before the call from liverpool academy director Alex inglethorpe came in 2013. the Club World Cup and mid-season break allowed Critchley’s rise to public prominence, as he took over the first team in Jurgen Klopp’s absence for two cup fixtures.
Blackpool were looking at other Under 23 coaches — QPr’s John eustace and Simon rusk at Brighton — so have not been swayed only by his outings as liverpool’s very temporary No 1.
Klopp has sent messages of support since Critchley’s arrival at Bloomfield road.
‘A lot of the players and staff have as well,’ Critchley told
Sportsmail. ‘ it’s been really touching. the relationships i had at liverpool were very special and i hope to create them here.
‘i’ve got broad experiences.
Crewe was league two, One and the Championship, i’ve seen thousands of games at those levels. And then the taste of what the elite level looks like and what it takes to win big trophies. i’ve got a balance of those two and can hopefully marry them together at Blackpool.’
While Critchley is his own man and it would be unfair to compare the two coaches, there was one instance that left you wondering whether a few Kloppisms may creep in.
half an hour before kick- off, Critchley spun on his heels, turning to the Fleetwood half. Joey
Barton’s staff were running their players through pre-match drills and Critchley stood there for 90 seconds or so with a fixed stare, gaining whatever information it is that Klopp takes from observing the opposition at close quarters.
‘A drab, non-eventful draw,’ was how Barton summed up this faux derby, adding: ‘F*** me, we’ve got a chance of winning the league. i’m not saying we’re going to do it but we’ve got a hell of a chance. if we win 10 games, we win the league.’ Fleetwood are eight points behind leaders Coventry having lost just one of their last 17 matches. Barton, who watched from the stands as he served a touchline ban, is doing a terrific job. Critchley, meanwhile, will be enthused by what he has managed to conjure from a group of players who have meandered their way through this season. the first half was particularly encouraging as they focused on countering Fleetwood’s threat.
there is money available these days on the Fylde Coast and owner Simon Sadler — a supporter himself who flies in from hong Kong to watch matches — will back Critchley next summer.
Plenty of money has already been spent since last year’s takeover, but not all of it wisely. With more coherent thinking, the new manager could have all the tools to sustain a challenge next term.
‘ this week has been crazy,’ Critchley added. ‘you’re always a bit concerned, with only a few days training, how the players understand the message.
‘ What we train is who we become. there is a clear plan, a vision for Blackpool. it’s very exciting. that’s why i chose to leave liverpool. i didn’t have to leave liverpool but this was an opportunity i could not turn down. After speaking to Simon and (chief executive) Ben Mansford, the feeling i got was that they want to create something for the people in the town and i’m delighted to be part of that.’