THE hard work is already under way for Paul Crichton after becoming Huddersfield Town’s first new goalkeeping coach in six years.
The 43-year-old Yorkshireman succeeds long-serving John Vaughan, who has linked up with former Town manager Lee Clark at Championship rivals Birmingham.
Pontefract-born Crichton was in the Sheffield United dug-out when Town won the League I play-off final on penalties at Wembley in May.
He was out of contract at Bramall Lane, the sixth port of call in a coaching career which has also taken in Gillingham, Cambridge, Kings Lynn, Brighton and Norwich.
As a player, he served Nottingham Forest, Peterborough, Doncaster, Grimsby, West Brom, Burnley, Norwich, York, Leigh, Accrington, Gillingham and Cambridge.
He also had loan stints at Notts County, Darlington, Swindon, Rotherham, Torquay and Aston Villa, when Town manager Simon Grayson was a defender.
“We also played together at Villa for a short time and it does help to know him personally,” explained Grayson.
“We had a number of options to choose from to fill this vacancy, because most people see this as a good opportunity to work at a great football club.
“I also know Paul from being on coaching courses with him and having spoken to people that he has worked with, he comes highly recommended.
“He is enthusiastic and hardworking and he wants to make an impression here and do well – just like every other member of staff.”
Crichton, who worked with Town keeper Ian Bennett at Sheffield United, said: “Obviously we all know what happened in the summer in terms of Huddersfield getting promoted.
“Then my contract at Sheffield United expired, which gave me the opportunity to explore my options.
“This is a great chance for me to work at a Championship football club that is really going places. I know the ambition that the chairman has and I want to be a part of it.
“I’ve also sat in the same dressing room as Simon (Grayson) and we’ve caught up since on coaching courses, while (coach) Glynn Snodin lives in the same village as me.
“I’ve met the rest of the backroom staff and they all seem brilliant too, so hopefully the transition will be quick.”
As well as Bennett, Crichton will work with Alex Smithies, Lloyd Allinson and Nick Colgan, who will double as academy goalkeeping coach.
He is Grayson’s second new backroom appointment this month after phsyio James Haycock, who has moved from Hartlepool.
