Finance guru: Aston Villa have paid ‘small change’ for ‘big gain’ after reshuffle confirmed
Aston Villa have paid “small change” to get Neil Critchley out of Blackpool.
That is the view of football finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest addition to Steven Gerrard’s backroom staff.
Aston Villa confirmed the appointment of Neil Critchley as their new assistant manager on 2 June following the departure of Michael Beale to QPR.
Critchley, 43, was the manager of Blackpool and was under contract until the summer of 2026 at Bloomfield Road.
In a statement (2 June), Blackpool owner Simon Sadler expressed his “disappointment” over Critchley’s exit.
When asked by Football Insider if the compensation fee was likely nominal for a club like Aston Villa, Plumley said: “It is really tough to get hold of compensation figures unless they are posted in the accounts or the public domain.
“But whatever the compensation fee was, all things considered, it would have been relatively small change.
“Aston Villa would have flexed a bit of financial muscle given their status as a Premier League club. It would have been relatively little when you take into account where they are.
“They used their financial strength to get who they want. If Steven Gerrard is banging the drum on that one it is a relatively small fee for a big gain in the future.”
Critchley worked with Gerrard during their time together at Liverpool.
Aston Villa finished 14th in the Premier League last season.
In other news, Agbonlahor has suggested Aston Villa’s response to Tottenham bid for John McGinn.