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Neil Critchley came into the spotlight this season when he was tasked with overseeing the first team first in the Carabao Cup and then again in the FA Cup replay due to scheduling conflicts. The new scrutiny and the good work he’s done with the Liverpool U23s since becoming the coach in 2017 has earned him a move to Blackpool FC.
The official site has confirmed that the League One side has appointed Critchley as their new manager, replacing Simon Grayson, who was sacked last month.
Liverpool have not yet filled the empty post, and in the interim, the U23s will be managed collaboratively among the remaining coaching staff.
Academy director Alex Inglethorpe spoke about Critchley and his confidence in the rest of the coaching staff to see them through the interim.
“For the U23s we are confident in the remaining coaching talent we have to make sure there is no drop-off in the interim period,” Inglethorpe said. “This season has proved the importance of the role and, therefore, we will take advantage of having amazing people already in post to take stock and assess what to do next.
“Myself, Michael Edwards and Jürgen Klopp will work collaboratively on what works best for the future. Pathway is so critical to this club we want to make sure we make the best appointment we can.”