Football Season Guide

A successful season for Blackpool in 2021/22 in their first campaign back in the Championship. They were comfortably clear of the relegation zone all season and finished a creditable 16th. The major news over the summer has been the departure of manager Neil Critchley to take on an assistant role at Aston Villa. Critchley had been in charge for just over two years and had done a superb job, leading the club out of League One, then keeping them up last season while building a good squad and playing attractive football. He had also built up an excellent relationship with the fans. The Seasiders must now move on under the guidance of Michael Appleton. After a disappointing start to his managerial career, Appleton has rebuilt his reputation following successful stints at Oxford and Lincoln. For now, the squad remains pretty much the same. Young Liverpool defender Williams is the only incoming so far. The only significant outgoing has been that of Sterling who impressed during a loan spell from Chelsea last season. This means key man Josh Bowler remains at the club. The winger was Blackpool’s standout performer last season and continues to attract interest. With a few additions the squad is certainly well equipped to cope in the Championship but it remains to be seen what impact the loss of Critchley will have on the club.