OFFICIAL: Liverpool U23s coach Neil Critchley leaves the club for Blackpool job

Liverpool have confirmed that U23s coach Neil Critchley has left the club to take up the position of head coach at Blackpool.

After six-and-a-half years of outstanding service within the Reds’ Academy set-up, the 41-year-old departs to begin a role with the first team at the League One side.

Critchley moved to Merseyside in September 2013 to take the reins of the U18s before progressing to the U23s ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.

He also took charge of the first team for two games this season as he oversaw the Carabao Cup tie at Aston Villa in December and, more recently, the FA Cup fourth-round replay against Shrewsbury Town at Anfield, helping guide a side consisting of players from the youth ranks to a 1-0 victory last month.

Academy director Alex Inglethorpe admits the news brings mixed emotions and while disappointed to see Critchley leave Kirkby, he feels it further demonstrates the pathway from the Academy into first-team football for coaches as well as players.

In recent years, Steven Gerrard, Michael Beale and Mike Marsh have all progressed to senior roles at other clubs having initially worked within Liverpool’s youth structure.

Meanwhile, the Reds’ first-team assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders was promoted to Melwood having begun duties with the club at the Academy.

Responsibilities for Liverpool’s U23s in the interim will be assumed by existing coaching staff before a permanent appointment is made.