Harry Critchley

**Last statistical update: 10:22, 8 August 2023 (UTC)**

**Harry Jay Critchley** is a footballer who played for **Hashtag United** (men).

## Career

### Pre-HTU

AFC Sudbury
Having advanced through the AFC Sudbury youth system, Critchley was promoted into their first-team squad in 2019–20. His debut arrived on 17 August 2019 during an Isthmian League - North Division defeat at future team Coggeshall Town, as he came off the substitute's bench to replace Tom Maycock on 75 minutes. That substitution was reversed on 20 August, as the defender was selected to start a home loss to Felixstowe & Walton United at the MEL Group Stadium. Across the overall campaign, which was ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Critchley featured 12 times as the club placed 11th.

Trials
Across November and December 2019, Critchley had trials with professional outfits. November saw him head to Premier League side West Ham United, while in December he spent time with Fulham of the Championship; with the latter inviting him back for a second successive week. Despite this, no permanent move was forthcoming and he returned to action with AFC Sudbury; where he was a second-year scholar.

Coggeshall United
On 16 September 2020, Critchley started for Coggeshall United in their Thurlow Nunn League - Division One South encounter with Harwich & Parkeston - which ended in a 1–1 draw.

Coggeshall Town
After a match for Coggeshall United, Critchley moved across to Coggeshall Town of the Isthmian League - North Division in September 2020. He made his bow for the *Seed Growers* on 22 September, as his new team fell to a defeat in the FA Cup first qualifying round to Stansted. His league debut for them arrived four days later as they won at home to Heybridge Swifts. In total, the defender made 7 appearances across 2020–21 before the season was, like the preceding campaign, curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021–22, Critchley participated in 15 matches between 30 August and 4 December 2021 - as he appeared for the final time on the latter date in a home draw with Maldon & Tiptree.

AFC Sudbury (return)
On 23 December 2021, Critchley completed a move back to AFC Sudbury - who stated that they "didn't want you [Critchley] to leave in the first place!". His second debut for the *Yellows* came on New Year's Day 2022, as he came off the bench to replace Lewis O'Malley after 46 minutes of a 4–1 loss at home to Bury Town. He remained with the club until the end of the season, having participated in a total of 15 fixtures for them - all in the Isthmian League - North Division.

East Thurrock United
Critchley headed off to East Thurrock United for the 2022–23 season. A 2–0 defeat away at Heybridge Swifts in the Isthmian League - North Division saw the defender make his first appearance for *The Rocks*, as he played 78 minutes before being replaced by Daryl Byron-Samuels on 27 August 2022. In the midst of 5 yellow cards in 9 matches, Critchley netted his first senior goal in a victory on the road to Wroxham on 15 October. He would later make his last appearance on 25 February 2023 as East Thurrock defeated Hullbridge Sports away from home, prior to announcing his departure on 1 March.

### HTU

2022–23
On 4 March 2023, it was revealed that Critchley had been signed by Jay Devereux's HTU. He immediately made his debut for *The Tags* later that day, as he was subbed on late on in place of Toby Aromolaran during an 8–1 thrashing of Tilbury at the EMR Stadium in the Isthmian League - North Division. HTU would end up winning that competition and promotion at the season's end, with the defender himself adding appearances versus Felixstowe & Walton United, Coggeshall Town and Witham Town. On 24 June, Critchley announced his exit from the club.

### Post-HTU

Brightlingsea Regent
Critchley was officially announced as a new signing by recently relegated Isthmian League - North Division side Brightlingsea Regent on 7 August 2023.

## HTU Statistics

Breakdown

'*Other Cups' includes competitions like the FA Trophy, the FA Vase and friendly tournaments. See also: HTUwiki:DataIssues.*

Appearances (4)
Tilbury  v  Hashtag United

Hashtag United  v  Felixstowe & Walton United

Hashtag United  v  Coggeshall Town

Hashtag United  v  Witham Town

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Harry Jay Critchley player stats" .
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "AFC Sudbury - Appearances - Harry Critchley - 2019-2020" .
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Fulham take another look at AFC Sudbury Academy star Harry Critchley following his West Ham United trial" , 10 December 2019.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Coggeshall Town - Appearances - Harry Critchley - 2020-2021" .
5. ↑ "Breaking News - Harry Critchley returns" , 23 December 2021.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "AFC Sudbury - Appearances - Harry Critchley - 2021-2022" .
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "East Thurrock United - Appearances - Harry Critchley" .
8. ↑ "My time @1EastThurrockFC has come to an end" , 1 March 2023.
9. ↑ "NEW SIGNINGS! @onenathansmith & @HarryCritchley4" , 4 March 2023.
10. ↑ "Unfortunately my time @hashtagutd comes to an end. It’s been short but sweet but what an amazing club and fanbase. Big thank you to everyone at the club & wishing them the best next season🙌" , 24 June 2023.
11. ↑ "𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗧𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗! ✍🏻 We are delighted to announce Harry Critchley from Hashtag United. The left back has previously played for AFC Sudbury, Coggeshall Town & East Thurrock United Welcome to the R’s! @HarryCritchley4" , 7 August 2023.