Blackpool manager Neil Critchley has admitted that the recent appointment of John Stephenson as the club's head of football operations will be of huge benefit to himself and the management team as a whole, during an interview with the Blackpool Gazette. 

Stephenson possesses exemplary experience at a high level with the newly appointed Blackpool man having racked up plenty of years of service during stints with the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield United and Watford.

It is appointment that has been sanctioned by the powers that be at Blackpool in order to maximise the current first team's potential in a season that hasn't got off to the best of starts for the Sky Bet League One side so far.

Speaking about the appointment of Stephenson, Critchley had this to say:

“John is a really experienced guy who has been at a number of football clubs. I’m delighted he’s joining us. 

“He’s got a wealth of experience, so he’ll be able to help me and the staff in terms of the organisational point of view during the week.

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“I’m delighted he’s joined. I’ve already had a good few conversations with John and I’m sure he’ll be a massive benefit to me and the club going forward.”

Blackpool currently occupy 15th place after 13 games played in the third tier and will be hoping to move up the standings following this recent appointment.

The Verdict 

I have to agree with Critchley on this one - the appointment of Stephenson should help bring some much needed stability and experience to a club that has had a whirlwind start to the campaign.

Given that he also has experience of working at youth level for clubs such as Reading and Celtic, this could well be an addition that reshapes the club from top to bottom over the coming months.

As with many businesses, stability equals consistency and for that reason, Blackpool may well see results improve on the pitch, with the added organisational benefits of a head of football operations tending to help rather than hinder clubs.

Only time will tell if this appointment goes to plan, with the relationship that gets built between the manager and Stephenson sure to prove key.