Former Liverpool coach to be appointed assistant head coach by Chelsea ownersNeil Critchley is set to be appointed as assistant head coach to fellow former Liverpool Academy coach Gary O'Neil at StrasbourgView Image Former Liverpool under-23s coach Neil Critchley (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)Former Liverpool under-23s coach Neil Critchley is set to join Strasbourg as assistant to recently-appointed head coach Gary O'Neil. Critchley's last major role saw him sacked as manager of Scottish Premiership side Hearts in April 2025 after barely six months in charge. ‌O'Neil, who briefly had a spell on the coaching staff at the Liverpool Academy, was installed at Strasbourg at the start of the month as successor to Liam Rosenior, who became Chelsea boss in place of the departed Enzo Maresca. Article continues belowCritchley was appointed Blackpool boss a month later and guided them to promotion to the Championship in his first full season. The 47-year-old then had four months at Aston Villa as assistant head coach to Steven Gerrard before a disappointing brief spell in charge at Queens Park Rangers and a second stint at Blackpool that was cut short after just 15 months.