Blackpool owner's past comments on long-term faith in head coach to get promotion

The Seasiders suffered a 1-0 defeat to Derby County on Good Friday, before drawing 0-0 with Wycombe Wanderers a few days later, which leaves them six points off sixth place with a number of teams ahead of them with five games to go.

When discussing the on-field problems, many fans on social media have pointed the finger of blame at head coach Neil Critchley, with some comments calling for a change of management in the summer.

The 45-year-old’s previous stint in League One was a success, as he guided Blackpool to third in the table with 80 points, before clinching promotion via the play-offs, beating Lincoln City 2-1 at Wembley.

After a solid first season in the Championship, Critchley departed the Seasiders to work with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa. Following short-lived spells at Villa Park, and later as manager of QPR, he returned to the Fylde Coast last summer.

In an interview with BBC Radio Lancashire back in February, Blackpool owner Simon Sadler shared his faith in the club’s current head coach, and also acknowledged that there might not be an instant return to the second tier following last season’s relegation.

"If Neil doesn’t do it this year, then he’ll have to do it next year- it’s that simple,” he stated.

"He’s done it before for us, he’s a great man. He works hard and knows his football.”