Former Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Critchley has swiftly returned to football, taking over the managerial role at Scottish Premiership club Hearts.
Critchley, 45, was sacked by Blackpool just two months ago but has now been tasked with reviving Hearts’ fortunes as they sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership with only two points from their opening eight matches.
New Challenge at Tynecastle
Hearts confirmed the appointment of Critchley as their new manager, replacing Steven Naismith. The Edinburgh side has struggled this season, and Critchley will be expected to turn their campaign around. He has signed a contract that will keep him at Tynecastle until the end of the 2026/27 season. Joining Critchley is his former Blackpool assistant, Mike Garrity, as the pair looks to rebuild the team’s confidence and performance.
Critchley enjoyed success during his first spell at Blackpool between 2020 and 2022, leading the Seasiders to promotion from League One via the play-offs. However, his more recent managerial ventures have been less fruitful. After a brief stint as Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Aston Villa, Critchley moved to QPR, but his tenure there was short-lived, with only one win in 12 games.
Reflecting on his appointment, Critchley said:
“I’m delighted to be joining a club with such a rich history. Hearts are going through a tough period right now, but I believe in the squad and am excited about the challenge ahead. My focus is on helping the team rediscover its form and giving the fans something to cheer about again.”
After his time at QPR, Critchley returned to Blackpool in 2023, but despite high hopes, he could not replicate his earlier success. The Seasiders narrowly missed out on the play-offs, and a disappointing start to the 2024 season saw him dismissed after two consecutive losses to Crawley Town and Stockport County.
Writer’s View
Neil Critchley’s appointment at Hearts marks a crucial moment in his managerial career. Despite recent setbacks, Critchley’s promotion success at Blackpool highlights his potential, but he now faces a different kind of pressure in turning around Hearts’ troubled season. With his contract running until 2027, Hearts are betting on Critchley to provide long-term stability. The question remains whether he can translate his previous achievements into success in the Scottish Premiership, especially given the team’s current precarious position.
