Neil Critchley has sent a message of thanks to Liverpool after ending his first full season in management by guiding Blackpool to promotion. The Tangerines will return to the Championship for the first time since 2015 after beating Lincoln City 2-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley on Sunday.
Neil Critchley said: “I know that if I ever need any advice or anyone to speak to, there’s no better people than them. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with some special people, Alex (Inglethorpe) at the Academy as well. I get to stand here today, which is nice, but there have been a whole lot of people who I need to thank for this day.”
Critchley twice took charge of the Liverpool first team, helming an Academy side that lost 5-0 at Aston Villa in the League Cup quarter-final in December 2019 but then guiding a similarly young line-up to a famous 1-0 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town at a packed Anfield two months later.
Neil Critchley said: “Not just today, but the whole season. The support I have been given from the owners, the players and the staff is incredible. After the start we had, to finish here in this manner, I have nothing but praise for everyone who has supported me this season.”
