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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Blackpool respond to disruptive speculation over Critchley & Gerrard reunion

Blackpool released a statement condemning wild speculation linking manager Neil Critchley with a move to Sauid Arabia.

The Tangerines boss had been rumoured to be a target for Steven Gerrard to add to his backroom team after moving to Al-Ettifaq.

Gerrard and Critchley worked together before when the former added the coach to his management staff at Aston Villa.

However, Blackpool have ensured there will be no repeat as the club took the step of releasing a statement to shut down the disruptive rumour.

A statement released on the club website read: “Contrary to claims made by a reporter this morning, Neil Critchley is firmly committed to Blackpool Football Club.

“The club rarely comments on press speculation, but in this instance feels an exception needs to be made.

"Articles such as this are an example of many in a long list of reports written for the sole purpose of gaining clicks and views, regardless of their accuracy.”

It comes as England under-20 coach Ian Foster is understood to be set to join Gerrard.

The 46-year-old led England at this summer’s Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, where they lost 2-1 in the last 16 to Italy having topped a group containing eventual winners Uruguay.

Neither the Football Association nor Al Ettifaq has confirmed Foster’s move, but PA understands he has linked up with Gerrard in the Middle East.

On taking the job in Saudi, Gerrard commented: "I think there were a lot of reasons for me wanting to join the club. 

"I think the club has a lot of good people who represent the club from the board down.

"When I went down to Saudi I got a real family feel, they made me feel extremely welcome.

"There are three things that I always consider and they are in a particular order. 

"It needs to be right for my family first and foremost, we have to be excited and motivated by the challenge.

"I think the football project needs to be ambitious, it needs to be for the right reasons in terms of the challenge and the remit.

"And of course you need to feel secure, that the contract is right, but that always comes at the very end."

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