Michael Liddle

Liddle started his footballing career with Haydon Bridge and Sunderland, whom he joined as a youth player.{{cite web |url=http://www.safc.com/team/?page_id=2623&player_id=149 |title=Michael Liddle |publisher=Sunderland A.F.C. |access-date=15 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217131056/http://www.safc.com/team/?page_id=2623&player_id=149 |archive-date=17 December 2008}} At Sunderland he progressed through the youth side and was given a professional contract ahead of the 2008–09 season.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/7428057.stm |title=Sunderland tie up academy deals |website=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2008 |access-date=14 June 2013}} It took until January 2010 for him to make his first-team debut, in a FA Cup third-round match at home to Barrow; he came on as a substitute late in the game which Sunderland won 3–0.

On 14 November 2008, Liddle joined League One club Carlisle United on two months' loan; he joined up with fellow Sunderland loanee Graham Kavanagh.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11776/4498579/carlisle-loan-for-liddle |title=Carlisle loan for Liddle |website=Sky Sports |date=14 November 2008 |access-date=16 September 2019}} His debut came the following day, in the starting eleven for Carlisle's 3–1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion.{{cite web |url=http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10361~44573,00.html |title=Carlisle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion |publisher=Carlisle United F.C. |date=15 November 2008 |access-date=4 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004103214/http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10361~44573%2C00.html |archive-date=4 October 2011}} The loan was first extended until 14 February 2009,{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11695/4749850 |title=Liddle stays with Carlisle |website=Sky Sports |date=5 January 2009 |access-date=16 September 2019}} and then to the end of the season; he went on to make 22 appearances.{{cite news |url=http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk/michael-liddle-to-stay-with-carlisle-utd-for-rest-of-season-1.508044 |title=Michael Liddle to stay with Carlisle Utd for rest of season |first=Jon |last=Colman |newspaper=Cumberland News |date=3 February 2009 |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610232559/http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk/michael-liddle-to-stay-with-carlisle-utd-for-rest-of-season-1.508044 |archive-date=10 June 2015}}

Liddle signed a four-month youth loan with another League One club, Leyton Orient, on 5 August 2010,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leyton_orient/8889767.stm |title=Leyton Orient sign Sunderland's Liddle |website=BBC Sport |date=5 August 2010 |access-date=3 November 2016}} but returned to Sunderland after only a month because of a groin injury. His only appearance was in the starting eleven against Yeovil Town.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11695/6364955 |title=Liddle back with Black Cats |website=Sky Sports |date=8 September 2010 |access-date=16 September 2019}}

On 6 January 2011, Liddle joined Gateshead on a 28-day loan.{{cite web |url=http://www.gateshead-fc.com/3153/gateshead-bring-in-black-cat-on-loan |title=Gateshead bring in Black Cat on loan |first=Jeff |last=Bowron |publisher=Gateshead F.C. |date=6 January 2011 |access-date=6 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915052717/http://www.gateshead-fc.com/3153/gateshead-bring-in-black-cat-on-loan |archive-date=15 September 2012}} He made his debut two days later in a 2–2 draw with Kidderminster Harriers, and "curl[ed] a beauty into the far corner with the outside of his boot" for his first senior goal,{{cite web |url=http://www.gateshead-fc.com/3160/gateshead-2-2-kidderminster-harriers |title=Gateshead 2–2 Kidderminster Harriers |first=Jeff |last=Bowron |publisher=Gateshead F.C. |date=9 January 2011 |access-date=10 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917002625/http://www.gateshead-fc.com/3160/gateshead-2-2-kidderminster-harriers |archive-date=17 September 2012}} which was voted Gateshead's goal of the season.{{cite web |url=http://www.gateshead-fc.com/3430/gateshead-fc-201011-awards |title=Gateshead FC 2010/11 Awards |first=Jeff |last=Bowron |publisher=Gateshead F.C. |date=6 May 2011 |access-date=6 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924151950/http://www.gateshead-fc.com/3430/gateshead-fc-201011-awards |archive-date=24 September 2012}} His loan was extended to the end of the 2010–11 season, which he finished with 22 Conference Premier appearances.{{cite web |url=http://www.gateshead-fc.com/3212/michael-liddle-stay-extended |title=Michael Liddle stay extended |first=Jeff |last=Bowron |publisher=Gateshead F.C. |date=31 January 2011 |access-date=31 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917003417/http://www.gateshead-fc.com/3212/michael-liddle-stay-extended |archive-date=17 September 2012}}

Liddle joined League Two club Accrington Stanley on loan for an initial month on 24 February 2012,{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11695/7544764/liddle-makes-stanley-move |title=Liddle makes Stanley move |website=Sky Sports |date=24 February 2012 |access-date=28 February 2021}} and made his debut the next day in a 2–0 loss against Swindon Town. He was sent off against Southend United on 10 March, and after he served his suspension, his loan was extended to the end of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11695/7630257/Liddle-extends-Stanley-stay |title=Liddle extends Stanley stay |website=Sky Sports |date=27 March 2012 |access-date=28 February 2021}} He made 12 appearances, all in league competition.

He signed a one-year permanent deal with Stanley in July 2012; the fee was undisclosed.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18884690 |title=Sunderland's Michael Liddle joins Accrington Stanley |website=BBC Sport |date=18 July 2012 |access-date=16 September 2019}} He began the season as a regular in the starting eleven until 18 September, when the second sending-off of his Stanley career, just before Chesterfield scored a winning goal, resulted in a three-match ban.{{cite news |url=https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-fc/blues-net-thrilling-last-gasp-winner-1-4937028 |title=Blues net thrilling last gasp winner |newspaper=Derbyshire Times |date=19 September 2012 |access-date=16 September 2019}}
{{cite news |url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/9943743.Depleted_Accrington_Stanley_are_eager_to_give_it_a_shot/ |title=Depleted Accrington Stanley are eager to give it a shot |first=Chris |last=Flanagan |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |date=21 September 2012 |access-date=14 June 2013}} He finished the season with 36 appearances in all competitions.

Liddle signed a new one-year contract with the club ahead of the 2013–14 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/8776875/Liddle-means-a-lot-to-Stanley |title=Liddle means a lot to Stanley |website=Sky Sports |date=14 June 2013 |access-date=16 September 2019}} He appeared in the first five matches of the season before an ankle injury was to keep him out for two months;{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/chesterfld-vs-accrington/preview/288832 |title=Chesterfield v Accrington preview |website=Sky Sports |date=6 September 2013 |access-date=16 September 2019}} he returned to the first team as a late substitute against Wycombe Wanderers. He lost his place to short-term signing Lee Naylor, and the rest of Liddle's season was disrupted by hamstring trouble and competition from Laurence Wilson.{{cite web |url=https://www.accringtonstanley.co.uk/2014/01/lee-naylor-leaves-club/ |title=Lee Naylor leaves club |first=Dan |last=Jewell |publisher=Accrington Stanley F.C. |date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116183108/https://www.accringtonstanley.co.uk/2014/01/lee-naylor-leaves-club/ |archive-date=16 January 2014}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11750/9218697/accrington-v-morecambe-preview |title=Accrington v Morecambe preview |website=Sky Sports |date=19 March 2014 |access-date=16 September 2019}}

After signing on for a third year,{{cite web |url=https://www.accringtonstanley.co.uk/news/2014/july/liddle-latest-to-stay/ |title=Liddle latest to stay |publisher=Accrington Stanley F.C. |date=1 July 2014 |access-date=16 September 2019}} Liddle started the opening game of the season, but a "succession of niggling injuries" were to keep him out for three months. He made his first-team return in the FA Cup first round, a goalless draw with Notts County in which manager John Coleman thought he was the best player.{{cite news |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/accrington_stanley/news/11596031.accrington-stanley-defender-michael-liddle-delighted-with-return-to-action/ |title=Accrington Stanley defender Michael Liddle delighted with return to action |first=Tyrone |last=Marshall |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |date=12 November 2014 |access-date=16 September 2019}} He finished the season with 15 league appearances, more than half as a substitute, and was released when his contract expired.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9854272/joyce-could-leave-accrington |title=Joyce could leave Accrington |website=Sky Sports |date=17 May 2015 |access-date=16 September 2019}}

Liddle went on trial at Scottish Championship club Hibernian.{{cite news |url=http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/defender-michael-liddle-handed-trial-at-hibs-1-3856925 |title=Defender Michael Liddle handed trial at Hibs |first=Neil |last=McGlade |newspaper=Edinburgh Evening News |date=15 August 2015 |access-date=16 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815090125/https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/defender-michael-liddle-handed-trial-at-hibs-1-3856925 |archive-date=15 August 2015}} However, he suffered a knee injury during a development match and the club offered him support during his recovery period.{{cite news |url=http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/lower-leagues/hibs-will-help-trialist-michael-liddle-after-injury-1-3858888 |title=Hibs will help trialist Michael Liddle after injury |first=David |last=Hardie |newspaper=Edinburgh Evening News |date=15 August 2015 |access-date=16 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103203808/https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/lower-leagues/hibs-will-help-trialist-michael-liddle-after-injury-1-3858888 |archive-date=3 November 2016}}

After a spell with Northern League club Dunston UTS towards the end of the 2015–16 season,{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/14337387.Leaders_Shildon_face_tough_away_game/ |title=Leaders Shildon face tough away game |first=Ray |last=Simpson |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=11 March 2016 |access-date=16 September 2019}} Liddle joined Blyth Spartans of the Northern Premier League in June 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/former-newcastle-united-midfielder-signs-11476431 |title=Former Newcastle United midfielder signs for Blyth Spartans in major coup for club |first=Jeff |last=Bowron |website=Chronicle Live |date=15 June 2016 |access-date=3 November 2016}} He made his debut in the opening game of the season, in a 3-1 win over Coalville Town.{{cite web |url=http://www.blythspartans.com/blyth-spartans-3-1-coalville-town-match-report/ |title=Match Report: Blyth Spartans 3–1 Coalville Town |first=Glen |last=Maxwell |publisher=Blyth Spartans A.F.C. |date=13 August 2016 |access-date=16 September 2019}} He spent three seasons with Spartans and then signed for National League North club Darlington in May 2019.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/17667298.quakers-sign-blyth-defender-liddle/ |title=Quakers sign Blyth defender Liddle |first=Nick |last=Loughlin |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=27 May 2019 |access-date=5 August 2019}} Despite interruptions through injury,{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/18278502.darlingtons-michael-liddle-aiming-get-back-real-sharpness/ |title=Darlington's Michael Liddle aiming to 'get back to that real sharpness' |first=Craig |last=Stoddart |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=4 March 2020 |access-date=4 May 2021}} Liddle made 29 appearances in the curtailed 2019–20 season. He was a regular in 2020–21 before the National League North was abandoned because of COVID-19 pandemic-related issues,{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12222103/national-league-north-and-south-clubs-vote-to-null-and-void-season-but-national-league-to-continue |title=National League North and South clubs vote to null and void season but National League to continue |website=Sky Sports |date=18 February 2021 |access-date=4 May 2021}} and left the club at the end of that season.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/19277258.luke-charman-agrees-extension-current-contract/ |title=Luke Charman agrees extension to his current contract |first=Ray |last=Simpson |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=4 May 2021 |access-date=4 May 2021}}

Liddle rejoined Blyth Spartans in May 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.blythspartans.com/arrival-michael-liddle-returns-to-blyth-spartans/ |title=Arrival: Michael Liddle returns to Blyth Spartans |first=Jordan |last=Cronin |publisher=Blyth Spartans A.F.C. |date=6 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021}}

On 22 June 2024, Liddle announced his retirement from football.{{cite web|url=https://www.blythspartans.com/michael-liddle-announces-his-retirement-from-football/|title=Michael Liddle announces his retirement from football|website=www.blythspartans.com|date=22 June 2024|accessdate=23 June 2024}}

Liddle was born in England and qualifies to play for Ireland because his mother is Irish. After playing in the under-18s and under-19s for his country, Liddle was called up to the Ireland under-21 squad for a friendly against Austria U21 on 19 August 2008. At that stage he had not made an appearance for his club after being signed on a professional contract in the 2008–09 season. Sunderland manager, Roy Keane, commented that "The young players have done well. It's a real plus for us and I have no doubts that some of them will be able to handle it at the top level".{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/7561073.stm |title=Irish under-21 call-up for Liddle |website=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2008 |access-date=18 November 2013}} He started against Austria, in a 1–1 draw.{{cite web |url=http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3455 |title=Stoppage-time equaliser denies Irish U21s victory in Austria |publisher=Football Association of Ireland |date=19 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828054142/http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3455 |archive-date=28 August 2008}} Liddle said "The call-up came as a big surprise. I didn't expect it. When I was named in the starting eleven {{sic|I}} buzzing!"{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1391847240BB2DF8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=I've had a Liddle taste of glory & I liked it |newspaper=Daily Mirror |date=23 August 2008 |access-date=18 November 2013 |via=NewsBank}} He made further appearances against Bulgaria, Portugal, Lithuania and Germany.{{cite web |url=http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3661 |title=Republic of Ireland U21 (Men's) UEFA Championship 2011 – Results – Seasons 2008/2009/2010 |publisher=Football Association of Ireland |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402073919/http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3661 |archive-date=2 April 2009}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Liddle, Michael}}

Category:1989 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from the London Borough of Hounslow

Category:People from Hounslow

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers

Category:Republic of Ireland men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Men's association football defenders

Category:Sunderland A.F.C. players

Category:Carlisle United F.C. players

Category:Leyton Orient F.C. players

Category:Gateshead F.C. players

Category:Accrington Stanley F.C. players

Category:Dunston UTS F.C. players

Category:Blyth Spartans A.F.C. players

Category:Darlington F.C. players

Category:English Football League players

Category:National League (English football) players

Category:Northern Premier League players

Category:21st-century English sportsmen

Category:21st-century Irish sportsmen