In this special Extraordinary General Podcast (EGP) we are reacting to the bolt-out-of-the-blue news, that Neil Critchley has left the building, having made the decision to carry Steven Gerard's bags as Aston Villa's assistant manager.

Talking Points

If you’re listening to this, you’ve probably heard the news. Blackpool Football Club has agreed to terms with Aston Villa for Neil Critchley to join them (and Steven Gerrard) as their new assistant manager. It follows Michael Beale vacating that post to become QPR Manager.

1. How are we feeling?

• March interview with the Gazette where he said ‘hopefully there are a few more years to come yet”
• Was the connection with the fans a ploy to get us on his side?
• Mitch on Critch

1. It feels like an odd move - to go from an up-and-coming Championship side to #2 at a mid-table Premier League side. Beale clearly saw the reverse as a step up. Why do we think Neil Critchley has decided to leave the club?

• Is it money for him personally? Better wages?
• Relationship with Gerrard? (The two worked together in LFC’s youth set-up. Gerrard has said he was the “#1 choice” based on their previous work together)
• Is it the supposed lack of transfer budget - dependent on selling Bowler?
• The club is investing off the pitch; so it isn’t like the club is refusing to show ambition.

1. Does moving in this way tarnish Critchley’s legacy?

• Achievements on the pitch
• Any comparison to Holloway?

1. What next for Blackpool football club?

• Presumably, we have compensation given Critchley was under contract to 2025
• What should we be looking for in a new manager?
• Who does this panel feel should get the job?

1. Potential Replacements (ranked by BetVictor favorites)

• Dave Challinor (6/1) - Stockport County
• Michael Appleton (8/1) - just left Lincoln City
• Michael Duff (8/1) - Cheltenham Town
• Leam Richardson (8/1) - Wigan Athletic
• Micky Mellon (10/1) - Tranmere Rovers, formerly Dundee
• Gareth Ainsworth (10/1) - Wycombe Wanderers
• John Coleman (12/1) - Accrington Stanley

1. Takes players from non-league, and now able to perform in League One
2. Lots of experience - but a bit more traditional

• Tony Mowbray (12/1) - just left Blackburn Rovers
• Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank (12/1) - Burton Albion
• Simon Grayson (12/1) - sacked from Fleetwood

Other

• Sean Dyche?
• Surely he’ll sit tight and wait for Steve Bruce to be sacked?
• Liam Manning from MK Dons?
• Ian Evatt?
• Wayne Rooney?
• Michael Carrick?
• Duncan Ferguson?
• Mark Warburton?
• Brian Barry-Murphy (City U23s Manager, formerly at Rochdale)
• Kevin Betsy

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