Gary Liddle
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{for|the Scottish footballer|Gary Liddell}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Gary Liddle
| image = Liddle G.jpg
| caption = Liddle playing for Notts County in 2012
| fullname = Gary Daniel Liddle{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/efl-professional-retain-list--free-transfers---2017-18.pdf |title=Club list of registered players: As at 19th May 2018: Notts County |publisher=English Football League |page=72 |access-date=3 August 2018}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|6|15|df=y}}{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/gary-liddle-66725/ |title=Gary Liddle |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=3 August 2018}}
| birth_place = Middlesbrough, England
| height = {{convert|1.85|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/gary-liddle/50925/ |title=G. Liddle: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=3 August 2018}}
| position = Centre-back, midfielder{{Hugman|23823|access-date=3 August 2018}}
| currentclub = Whitby Town (player-manager)
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2003
| youthclubs1 = Middlesbrough
| years1 = 2003–2006
| clubs1 = Middlesbrough
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2006–2012
| clubs2 = Hartlepool United
| caps2 = 247
| goals2 = 18
| years3 = 2012–2014
| clubs3 = Notts County
| caps3 = 78
| goals3 = 4
| years4 = 2014–2016
| clubs4 = Bradford City
| caps4 = 61
| goals4 = 3
| years5 = 2016–2017
| clubs5 = Chesterfield
| caps5 = 41
| goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2017–2019
| clubs6 = Carlisle United
| caps6 = 101
| goals6 = 2
| years7 = 2019–2020
| clubs7 = Walsall
| caps7 = 12
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2019–2020
| clubs8 = → Hartlepool United (loan)
| caps8 = 15
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2020–2022
| clubs9 = Hartlepool United
| caps9 = 55
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2022–2024
| clubs10 = South Shields
| caps10 = 69
| goals10 = 2
| years11 = 2024
| clubs11 = Spennymoor Town
| caps11 = 2
| goals11 = 0
| years12 = 2024–
| clubs12 = Whitby Town
| caps12 = 17
| goals12 = 0
| club-update = 22:06, 18 April 2025 (UTC)
| manageryears1 = 2024–
| managerclubs1 = Whitby Town
}}
Gary Daniel Liddle (born 15 June 1986) is an English professional footballer who is currently manager of Northern Premier League side Whitby Town. He played in the English Football League for Hartlepool United, Notts County, Bradford City, Chesterfield, Carlisle United and Walsall.
Liddle came through the ranks at Middlesbrough where he won the FA Youth Cup in 2004. After leaving Middlesbrough, Liddle signed for local League Two side Hartlepool United where he would play an important role in Hartlepool's promotion to League One as runners-up. He would remain at the League One side for six seasons before departing for Notts County in 2012. Liddle won several individual awards in his first season with the Magpies and would stay with Notts County for two years before subsequently signing for Bradford City, Chesterfield, Carlisle United and Walsall. He was sent on loan to former club Hartlepool United in 2019 who were now in the National League. He then signed permanently for the club where he would play an integral role in central defence as Hartlepool won the 2021 National League play-off final. He left at the end of Hartlepool's first season back in the Football League having made 364 appearances over three spells at the club, making him the tenth highest appearance maker in the club's history. Liddle then joined Northern Premier League side South Shields. In his first season, he was awarded as the club's Player of the Season as South Shields earned promotion to the National League North. In the following season, Liddle signed for Spennymoor Town.
Career
=Middlesbrough=
Liddle was born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire.{{cite news |url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2014/june/10-things-you-should-know-about-gary-liddle/ |title=10 things you should know about Gary Liddle |first=Luke |last=Gallagher |publisher=Bradford City A.F.C. |date=10 June 2014 |access-date=3 August 2018}} He began his career with hometown side Middlesbrough. He was a regular in the academy sides and won the 2003–04 FA Youth Cup. He signed a professional contract with Middlesbrough on 14 July 2003.{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 |year=2010 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-601-0 |page=252}}
=Hartlepool United=
In August 2006, Liddle joined nearby League Two club Hartlepool United on a free transfer, signed by Danny Wilson.{{cite news|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/gary-liddle-reflects-second-hartlepool-092904068.html |title=Gary Liddle reflects on his second Hartlepool United exit and the biggest 'disappointment' since |author=Joe Ramage |publisher=Hartlepool Mail via Yahoo! News |date=26 August 2023 |access-date=6 November 2023}} He made his debut in a League Cup win at Burnley on 22 August 2006 in central defence.{{cite news|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/4563127.liddle-back-defensive-ahead-cup-clash/ |title=Liddle back on the defensive ahead of cup clash |first=Nick |last=Loughlin |publisher=The Northern Echo |date=25 August 2009 |access-date=6 November 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=4234 |title=Burnley 0–1 Hartlepool United - 22 August 2006 |website=In The Mad Crowd |access-date=6 November 2023}} He made a good impression during his first season with Hartlepool and performed well at right-back, centre-half and midfield. He shared the Players' Player of the Year award with Michael Nelson that year as Pools were promoted back to League One at the first attempt.{{Cite news|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wycombe-wanderers-0-hartlepool-united-1491728 |title=Wycombe Wanderers 0, Hartlepool United 1 |website=ChronicleLive |date=15 April 2007 |access-date=4 May 2021}} He remained a mainstay in the side in the following seasons. In 2010, Liddle was booked in a game at Leyton Orient, which meant an instant suspension was triggered after collecting his 10th yellow card of the season. However, no-one at the club realised he had been cautioned and he played 48 hours later against Brighton & Hove Albion. Pools then recognised later he should have not appeared and informed the FA. Pools were charged with fielding an ineligible player and deducted three points. That meant with one game of the season to go, they were in a relegation battle, but a draw at Brentford on the final day of the season kept them up.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/may/06/hartlepool-deducted-three-points |title=Hartlepool deducted three points for fielding suspended player |first=John |last=Ashdown |work=The Guardian |date=6 May 2010 |access-date=28 December 2022}}
On 13 August 2011, while playing in a home league match against Walsall, Liddle suffered an injury, as his zygomatic bone became fractured in two places. He was able to complete the match, which ended in a 1–1 draw. However, he was sidelined afterwards. For his return to playing, he wore a protective mask.{{cite web |title=Gary Liddle return delayed – Pools boss Mick Wadsworth |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14577759.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011}}
On 19 May 2012, it was announced that Liddle was released from Hartlepool United after six years after he rejected a new deal. He made 238 appearances for the club during his first spell with the club.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}
=Notts County=
Liddle signed for League One club Notts County on 21 June 2012 on a two-year contract. Liddle stated that it was Keith Curle's desire to manage in the Championship that played a big part in the switch. "Keith wants to manage in the Championship with Notts. That's why I came here. Hopefully I can help him do that".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18370491 |title=Notts County seal deal for Hartlepool's Gary Liddle |website=BBC Sport |date=21 June 2012 |access-date=3 August 2018}} Before the start of the 2012–13 season, Liddle admitted there was a challenge to earn a first team spot. "It's the most competitive squad I've ever been in, If I get the shirt I will have to play well to keep it and if I'm not in the team I'll have to work even harder in training to get in there."{{Cite web |url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Liddle-face-biggest-fight-career/story-16725981-detail/story.html |title=Liddle: I face biggest fight of my career | This is Nottingham |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505092838/http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Liddle-face-biggest-fight-career/story-16725981-detail/story.html |archive-date=5 May 2013 |url-status=dead}}
He made his competitive debut for the club in a 2–1 victory over Crewe Alexandra, partnering Dean Leacock in the centre of defence.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19221572 |title=Crewe 1 Notts County 2 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2012 |access-date=18 August 2012}} Liddle made a good start to his career at Notts County and was awarded the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for September, continuing to play at centre back, he ensured County remained unbeaten in that month.{{cite web |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8196518/Robin-van-Persie-leads-the-way-in-monthly-PFA-Fans-awards |title=Robin van Persie leads the way in monthly PFA Fans' awards |website=Sky Sports |date=26 October 2012 |access-date=27 August 2012}}
Liddle made his final and 46th league appearance of the season against Coventry City. It meant he had played every minute of the 2012–13 season, equalling a record last set by County's Pedro Richards 30 years ago. He then won four awards at the clubs' end of season award ceremony. Including; The Manager's Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, Fans' Player of the Year and the Supporters' Club Player of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/article/liddle-sweeps-up-at-awards-night-802380.aspx |title=Liddle Sweeps Up at Awards Night |publisher=Notts County F.C. |date=1 May 2013 |access-date=1 May 2013}} He left Notts County in 2014, having made 78 league appearances over his two seasons with the club.
=Bradford City=
Liddle signed for Bradford City on 9 June 2014 on a one-year contract with the option of an additional year.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27764791 |title=Bradford City sign Gary Liddle as Nathan Doyle exits |website=BBC Sport |date=9 June 2014 |access-date=3 August 2018}} He made his debut on 9 August 2016 in a 3–2 home win against Coventry City. In January 2015, he played for Bradford in their 4–2 away win at Premier League leaders Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30860394 |title=Chelsea 2–4 Bradford City |first=Michael |last=Emons |website=BBC Sport |date=24 January 2015 |access-date=29 March 2024}} He also started for Bradford in the FA Cup quarter-finals, however they were eliminated by Championship club Reading in a replay.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31791998 |title=Reading 3–0 Bradford City |website=BBC Sport |date=16 March 2015 |access-date=29 March 2024}} Liddle left Bradford in February 2016 having made 61 league appearances during his spell with the Bantams.
=Chesterfield=
Liddle signed for Chesterfield on 1 February 2016 for an undisclosed fee.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35464946 |title=Gary Liddle, Connor Dimaio and Tom Anderson join Chesterfield |website=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2016 |access-date=1 February 2016}} He was named the club's captain. Liddle was sent off in his third appearance for the 'Spireites', on 16 February 2016 in an away game to Colchester United for an 18th minute foul.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35529454 "Colchester United 1–1 Chesterfield"] BBC Sport. 16 February 2016. Retrieved 16 February 2016. Liddle scored his first goal for the club on 13 August 2016, scoring the first in a 3–1 victory over Swindon Town, heading into an empty net after a Ched Evans free kick was saved.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36994128 "Chesterfield 3–1 Swindon Town"] BBC Sport. 13 August 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
=Carlisle United=
Liddle signed for League Two club Carlisle United on 13 January 2017 on a one-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38608878 |title=Gary Liddle: Carlisle bring in Chesterfield midfielder |website=BBC Sport |date=13 January 2017 |access-date=3 August 2018}} He was released by Carlisle at the end of the 2018–19 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48178768|title=Carlisle United release eight players after League Two season completed|website=BBC Sport|date=6 May 2019|access-date=8 May 2019}} He made 117 appearances in all competitions for the Cumbrians, scoring twice.
=Walsall=
On 26 July 2019, Liddle moved to Walsall, signed by his former Hartlepool teammate Darrell Clarke.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49129925 |title=Walsall: Zak Jules, Gary Liddle and Rory Holden all sign for League Two club |website=BBC Sport |date=26 July 2019 |access-date=10 May 2021}} He made 16 appearances for the Saddlers, before leaving on loan for his former club Hartlepool United, now playing in the National League where he played as a central defender.{{Cite web|title=Liddle happy to be back at Hartlepool|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18115815.walsall-defender-makes-return-victoria-park/|access-date=4 May 2021|website=The Northern Echo}}
=Return to Hartlepool United=
Liddle re-signed for Hartlepool permanently for a second time after a successful loan spell in the previous season from Walsall.{{Cite news |url=https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/pools-sign-gary-liddle/ |title=Pools sign Gary Liddle |website=Hartlepool United FC |date=1 August 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804173534/https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/pools-sign-gary-liddle/ |url-status=dead }} Liddle's first appearance in his third spell at Hartlepool saw him reach the landmark of 300 appearances for Hartlepool United in a 2–1 win against Aldershot Town.{{cite news|url=https://twitter.com/official_hufc/status/1312453499829985285 |title=Gary Liddle today celebrated his 300th appearance for Pools |publisher=Hartlepool United F.C. |via=Twitter |date=3 October 2020 |access-date=4 May 2021}}{{cite news|url=http://www.inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Match.aspx?oid=6225 |title=Hartlepool 2–1 Aldershot - HUFC Appearance Stats |website=In The Mad Crowd |access-date=10 May 2021}} Liddle played in the 2021 National League play-off final as Hartlepool defeated Torquay United on penalties to earn promotion back to the Football League.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57457835|title=National League promotion final|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 June 2021|accessdate=6 July 2021}} Following their promotion, Liddle signed a new one-year deal with the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/gary-liddle-stays/|title=Gary Liddle stays|website=www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk|date=6 July 2021}} On 5 March 2022, Liddle made his 700th career appearance in a 2–1 win at Harrogate Town.{{cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/graeme-lee-hails-unbelievable-gary-liddle-after-milestone-appearance-3598771 |title=Graeme Lee hails 'unbelievable' Gary Liddle as the former Notts County, Bradford City, Chesterfield, Carlisle United and Walsall defender reaches landmark appearance |author=Joe Ramage |publisher=Hartlepool Mail |date=7 March 2022 |access-date=28 December 2022}}
On 6 June 2022, it was announced that Liddle had decided to leave Hartlepool upon the expiration of his contract.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61706412 |title=Gary Liddle: Hartlepool United defender to leave club |website=BBC Sport |date=6 June 2022 |access-date=6 June 2022}} During his three spells with Hartlepool United, Liddle made 364 appearances, making him the tenth highest appearance maker in the club's history.{{cite news|url=http://www.inthemadcrowd.co.uk/ui/Stats.aspx |title=Stats PLAYER - Most Games |publisher=In The Mad Crowd |access-date=6 October 2022}}
=South Shields=
On the same day Liddle announced his departure from Hartlepool, he signed for South Shields.{{Cite web |url=https://southshieldsfc.co.uk/gary-liddle-to-join-on-july-1st/ |title=Gary Liddle To Join On July 1st |publisher=South Shields FC |date=6 June 2022 |access-date=6 June 2022 |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609084059/https://southshieldsfc.co.uk/gary-liddle-to-join-on-july-1st/ |url-status=dead }} He played every minute for Shields during the 2022–23 season and won the club's Player of the Year award as the club won promotion to the National League North.{{cite news |url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/former-hartlepool-united-defender-gary-liddle-leaves-south-shields-4548953 |title=Former Hartlepool United defender Gary Liddle leaves South Shields |first=Robbie |last=Stelling |website=Hartlepool Mail |date=8 March 2024 |access-date=29 March 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/ex-hartlepool-united-contingent-earn-promotion-to-national-league-north-4099961 |title=Ex-Hartlepool United contingent earn promotion to National League North |first=Joe |last=Ramage |publisher=Hartlepool Mail |date=11 April 2023 |access-date=5 May 2023}} Additionally, he was also named in the 2022–23 Northern Premier League Team of the Season.{{cite tweet|number=1669389555005526016|user=NorthernPremLge|title=THE @PitchingIn_ NPL PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE SEASON|date=15 June 2023}}
In March 2023, it was announced that Liddle had left South Shields by mutual consent.{{cite web |url=https://www.southshieldsfc.co.uk/post/club-statement-gary-liddle |title=Club Statement: Gary Liddle |publisher=South Shields FC |date=6 March 2024 |access-date=8 March 2024}}
=Spennymoor Town=
Following his departure from South Shields, Liddle signed for fellow National League North side Spennymoor Town in March 2023 on a deal until the end of the season. In doing so, he linked up with his former Hartlepool manager Graeme Lee. Lee said of the signing "I worked with Gary at Hartlepool United and he's an outstanding competitor, a leader on and off the pitch and someone who can come in and help us during the final month. He's looked after himself exceptionally well and still has plenty to give so I am really pleased that we've been able to add him to the squad."{{cite web |url=https://spennymoortownfc.co.uk/2024/03/26/gary-liddle-joins-spennymoor-town/ |title=Gary Liddle Joins Spennymoor Town |publisher=Spennymoor Town FC |date=26 March 2024 |accessdate=26 March 2024}}
=Whitby Town=
On 25 May 2023, it was announced Liddle had signed for Northern Premier League side Whitby Town. He signed a two-year deal with The Seasiders which saw him take up a player-coach role.{{cite web |url=https://www.whitbytownfc.com/news/whitby-town-confirm-gary-liddle-signing-2852991.html |title=Whitby Town confirm Gary Liddle signing |publisher=Whitby Town FC |date=25 May 2024 |accessdate=25 May 2024}} In October 2024, Liddle was appointed manager at Whitby.{{cite web |url=https://www.whitbytownfc.com/news/statement-nathan-haslam-2878041.html |title=Statement: Nathan Haslam |publisher=Whitby Town FC |date=8 October 2024 |accessdate=2 November 2024}} On 9 February 2025, Liddle announced his retirement from playing.{{cite web |url=https://www.whitbytownfc.com/news/gary-liddle-announces-retirement-2900259.html |title=Gary Liddle announces retirement |publisher=Whitby Town FC |date=9 February 2025 |accessdate=9 February 2025}} On 5 April 2025, Liddle came out of retirement in a game against Lancaster City.{{cite web |url=https://www.whitbytownfc.com/teams/235746/match-centre/1-15617464/report |title=Lancaster City 0-1 Whitby Town |publisher=Whitby Town FC |date=5 April 2025 |accessdate=18 April 2025}}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 18 April 2025}}
{{notelist}}
Managerial statistics
{{updated|match played 26 April 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure | ||||
| rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|From !rowspan="2"|To !colspan="5"|Record !rowspan="2"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|P|Matches played}} | {{abbr|W|Matches won}} | {{abbr|D|Matches drawn}} | {{abbr|L|Matches lost}} | {{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}} |
| align="left"|Whitby Town
|align="left"|8 October 2024 |align="left"|Present {{WDL|31|12|5|14|decimals=1}} | ||||
| colspan="3"|Total
{{WDLtot|31|12|5|14|decimals=1}} |
Honours
Middlesbrough
- FA Youth Cup: 2003–04{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fa-youth-cup-what-happened-7047898 |title=FA Youth Cup: What happened to the Boro players who won the cup in 2004? |website=Teesside Live |publisher=Reach |date=29 April 2014 |access-date=3 August 2018}}
Hartlepool United
- Football League Two second-place promotion: 2006–07{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6534995.stm |title=Wycombe 0–1 Hartlepool |work=BBC Sport |date=14 April 2007 |access-date=28 December 2022}}
- National League play-offs: 2021{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57457835 |title=Hartlepool United 1–1 Torquay United |first=Brent |last=Pilnick |website=BBC Sport |date=20 June 2021 |access-date=20 June 2021}}
South Shields
Individual
- Hartlepool United Players' Player of the Year (joint): 2006–07{{cite web|url=http://www.inthemadcrowd.co.uk/UI/Person.aspx?oid=1204 |title=Gary Liddle |website=In The Mad Crowd |access-date=27 October 2023}}
- Notts County Player of the Year: 2012–13{{cite web |url=https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2013/may/liddle-sweeps-up-at-awards-night-/ |title=Liddle sweeps up at awards night |first=Dane |last=Vincent |publisher=Notts County F.C. |date=1 May 2013 |access-date=3 August 2018}}
- Notts County Manager's Player of the Year: 2012–13
- Notts County Players' Player of the Year: 2012–13
- Northern Premier League Team of the Year: 2022–23
- South Shields Player of the Year: 2022–23
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Hartlepool United F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{Notts County F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Liddle, Gary}}
Category:Footballers from Middlesbrough
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Middlesbrough F.C. players
Category:Hartlepool United F.C. players
Category:Notts County F.C. players
Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players
Category:Chesterfield F.C. players
Category:Carlisle United F.C. players
Category:South Shields F.C. players
Category:Spennymoor Town F.C. players
Category:Whitby Town F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:Northern Premier League players
Category:Whitby Town F.C. managers