Former Liverpool coach Neil Critchley is set to take a new job in France, working under Gary O’Neil at Strasbourg. The move comes after a difficult year for Critchley, but it also brings fresh hope. Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, the same group that owns Chelsea, and they want strong coaches with experience. With Gary O’Neil already making a good start, this appointment could help the club grow even more.
Gary O’Neil Starts Strong at Strasbourg
Since joining Strasbourg earlier this month, Gary O’Neil has made a very quick impact. The team has won three league games in a row, which has pushed them up to seventh place in Ligue 1. That is a big jump and has given fans real belief.
Before this job, O’Neil had worked in England and also spent time coaching at the Liverpool Academy. His calm style and clear ideas have helped Strasbourg play with more confidence. The players look organised, work hard, and fight for every ball.
Strasbourg replaced Liam Rosenior with O’Neil after Rosenior left to become the new Chelsea manager. This move showed how closely linked the two clubs are under BlueCo. Bringing in coaches who trust each other is part of that plan. Adding Neil Critchley as an assistant would give O’Neil someone he knows well and respects.
Gary O’Neil Reunites With Neil Critchley
The possible reunion between Gary O’Neil and Neil Critchley is not a surprise. Both men worked at the Liverpool Academy and understand how to develop young players. Critchley spent seven years at Liverpool’s training base in Kirkby, coaching both the Under-18s and Under-23s teams.
Critchley even coached Liverpool’s senior team twice during the 2019-20 season. This happened because the main team were busy with many matches. One young Liverpool side lost 5-0 to Aston Villa in the League Cup. But later, Critchley led another young team to a famous 1-0 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town.
That win helped Critchley get the Blackpool manager job. He did very well there at first, leading the club to promotion to the Championship. However, later jobs were harder. He struggled at QPR and Hearts, and his second spell at Blackpool ended early.
Now, working as an assistant instead of a head coach could suit him better. At Strasbourg, Critchley can focus on training, tactics, and helping players improve, while O’Neil leads the team.
Fans React to the News
Fans have shared mixed feelings online, but many are hopeful. Strasbourg supporters like the idea of adding more experience to the coaching staff. They also trust Gary O’Neil after seeing the team win three games in a row.
Liverpool fans remember Critchley for guiding young players and staying calm during tough matches. Some fans believe this move can help him rebuild his career. Others are simply curious to see how the Chelsea owners continue to link their clubs together.
Why This Move Matters
This appointment matters for several reasons. For Strasbourg, it shows ambition. The club is not just happy to stay in Ligue 1. They want to push higher and maybe reach Europe one day.
For Critchley, it is a fresh start without the heavy pressure of being the main boss. For Gary O’Neil, it brings a trusted assistant who understands youth football and modern coaching.
As Strasbourg keep climbing the table, this coaching partnership could become a big part of their success story.
Author’s Opinion
Gary O’Neil’s decision to bring in Neil Critchley looks like a smart and sensible move. O’Neil has already shown he can organise a team quickly, and adding a coach who understands youth development can only help Strasbourg grow. Critchley has made mistakes as a head coach, but that does not erase his strong coaching skills. In an assistant role, he can focus on helping players improve without heavy pressure. For a club owned by Chelsea’s owners and aiming for long-term success, this pairing feels well thought out rather than risky.
As featured on Walkon.com
As featured on Chelseanews.com
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