Blackpool fans are digesting the news that their club have fired Neil Critchley after just two league matches.
There must be something in the water in the north west, because two weeks into the season, we have the second manager from that area gone. Ryan Lowe lost his job as Preston North End boss after an opening day defeat, and now Neil Critchley pays the ultimate price for his side’s thrashing at Bloomfield Road by Stockport County.
As predicted last week by our EFL expert, Gary Hutchinson, County’s win heaped pressure on Critchley. As we suggested might be the case, just past ten this morning, the Tangerines released a statement confirming his departure.
“Neil’s dedication, commitment and tireless work ethic have been a real credit to the Club. Despite his best efforts over the past 12 months, there have been a number of disappointing results and performances which means that a change is needed to give the Club every possible chance of competing at the top end of the division this season.
“I will always be thankful for Neil’s wonderful efforts in guiding the Club to promotion to the Championship in 2021, and then comfortably keeping us in the division the following season.
“I and all at the Club wish Neil and Mike the very best for the future.”
Having lost 2-1 to Crawley on the opening day of the season, Blackpool put four past a ten-man Burton side to progress in the League Cup. Sadly, Stockport’s late triple salvo downed them at Bloomfield Road, but the problems run deeper than this season.
They missed out on the top six last season, winning just three matches in 13 from Jan 20th to April 1st. Four wins on the spin gave them hope before Reading finally dashed their promotion aspirations on the final day.
It is the second time Critchley has left the club, having previously jumped ship of his own accord. Richard Keogh, once of Derby County, takes interim charge before a permanent successor can be found.
Fans have reacted with mixed emotions to the decision. Some believe it was right, and others believe that it should have happened sooner. One thing is for certain – with just a week and a half until the transfer window closes, they have an uphill task around the recruitment of a new manager and allowing that manager to put his stamp on the squad.
That’s the overriding feeling here – that the decision has left the club in a mess.
Wish him all the best. Can’t ever doubt how much he loved the fans and his passion.
Just hasn’t clicked this 2nd time around and the stubbornness in formation hasn’t helped.
Not sure I’d of sacked him only 2 games into the season but our fan base has been calling for it…
— Jeff Simpkins (@HereLiesJeff) August 21, 2024
Not the right decision for me. Agree with most that the formation wasn’t right, but we’re only two games in. Season is a right off.
— Paul-Wes (@paulcornwell_90) August 21, 2024
Well done SS, good to see that things weren’t allowed to drag on
— Mister P (@MisterP_innit) August 21, 2024
Not the right decision at all, wtf are we doing, our club is in a right state
— Sam Lowe (@sam_lowe03) August 21, 2024
Wanted it to work but the unwillingness to change the system and playing people out of position leads to this. Didn’t think the club would act this quickly but after Saturday it’s completely the correct decision. Next appointment is massive now
— Adam Nay (@adamnay86) August 21, 2024
9 days to get a new manager in and any players he wants in or out 🤣 what a mess
— Ged (@gedspears) August 21, 2024
Would’ve been better to part company at the end of last season, give a new manager the whole transfer window & pre-season a chance to build something. Whoever comes in won’t really have time for changes before January.
— VikingWolf🐺🐼😇🦉🌻 (@chucklesthescot) August 21, 2024
Surprised to see the club acted so quickly/early in the season to remove Critchley. Unfortunately it’s just not worked out during the 2nd stint. The next appointment is crucial (again).
— Gareth Lougher (@Welsh_Lancs) August 21, 2024
Be the first to comment