Gary Liddle

Gary Daniel Liddle (born 15 June 1986) is an English football manager and former professional player, best known for his lengthy career as a central defender in the English Football League and non-league football.^[1][2] After coming through Middlesbrough's academy, Liddle began his professional career with nearby club Hartlepool United, where he made his senior debut in 2006 and played 239 matches across six seasons until 2012.^[3] He then spent two seasons at Notts County (2012–2014), followed by stints at Bradford City (2014–2016) and Chesterfield (2016–2017), before joining Carlisle United (2017–2019).^[4] A brief loan return to Hartlepool in 2019–20 (from Walsall) was followed by a permanent return to Hartlepool (2020–2022), then South Shields (2022–2023), Spennymoor Town (2023–2024), and Whitby Town (2024–2025).^[1] In total, Liddle amassed more than 500 EFL appearances and reached the milestone of 800 career games before announcing his retirement from playing in February 2025.^[3][5] Liddle joined Whitby Town as a player and assistant manager in May 2024, becoming manager in October 2024, and continued in the role after his retirement, steering the Northern Premier League side to a 16th-place finish in the 2024–25 season.^[6] In July 2025, he took on an additional role as Lead Professional Development Phase Coach in Hartlepool United's academy setup, embracing a dual responsibility that leverages his deep ties to the club where he spent much of his career.^[7]

Early years

Birth and family background

Gary Liddle was born on 15 June 1986 in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England.^[2][8] Details about Liddle's immediate family and early upbringing remain limited in public records, though his roots in the North East of England—a region with a storied football heritage exemplified by clubs like Middlesbrough FC—provided a formative environment that fostered widespread interest in the sport among local youth.^[9]

Middlesbrough academy

Liddle began his organized football journey in the youth system of his hometown club, Middlesbrough F.C., progressing through the ranks to become a regular fixture in the academy sides during the early 2000s.^[10][11] On July 14, 2003, at the age of 17, he signed his first professional contract with the club, marking a significant milestone in his development. This agreement came amid his consistent performances in youth matches, solidifying his status within the academy setup. A highlight of Liddle's time in the Middlesbrough academy was his contribution to the team's success in the 2003–04 FA Youth Cup, where they defeated Aston Villa 4–0 on aggregate in the final, securing the trophy for the club—their first win in the competition. He had also featured in the previous season's final, scoring Middlesbrough's goal in the 1–1 second-leg draw against Manchester United (though they lost 3–2 aggregate).^[12][13][14] His strong showings in the academy, including the Youth Cup triumph, earned him recognition as one of the standout young talents at Middlesbrough, though he also faced challenges such as a prolonged back injury that sidelined him for a period.^[15] Following his release from the club in 2006, Liddle made his first senior move to nearby Hartlepool United.^[3]

Playing career

Middlesbrough (2003–2006)

Gary Liddle progressed through the Middlesbrough academy before signing a professional contract with the club in 2003, marking the start of his three-year stint at his hometown team. Despite his development in youth ranks, which prepared him for potential senior opportunities, Liddle did not make any first-team appearances during this period, including no league outings.^[2][1] Limited chances in the competitive Premier League environment contributed to his departure from Middlesbrough in August 2006, at the age of 20.^[16][15]

Hartlepool United (2006–2012)

Liddle joined Hartlepool United on a free transfer from Middlesbrough on 19 August 2006, signing a two-year contract as a 20-year-old versatile defender capable of playing in central defense or midfield.^[15][17] He made his debut for the club just three days later in a 4–2 League Cup defeat to Wigan Athletic, coming on as a substitute.^[15] During the 2006–07 season in League Two, Liddle quickly established himself in the first team, contributing to Hartlepool's runners-up finish and automatic promotion to League One with 88 points from 46 matches.^[18] His defensive solidity and adaptability helped anchor the backline during a campaign that saw the team concede just 40 goals while scoring 65.^[18] Over the subsequent seasons, Liddle became a mainstay at Hartlepool, featuring in both League One and League Two after the club's relegation in 2008–09. He amassed 239 league appearances and scored 18 goals across six seasons, often deployed as a no-nonsense centre-back or holding midfielder who provided consistent cover and occasional set-piece threats.^[1] In League One during 2007–08, he played 32 league games as Hartlepool finished seventh, narrowly missing the playoffs, while his goal-scoring improved with three strikes that season.^[1] Following relegation, Liddle's reliability shone in League Two, where he helped stabilize the defense amid managerial changes and formed effective partnerships in midfield. The 2009–10 season stood out for Liddle's endurance and impact, as he made 40 league appearances and netted four goals despite a three-point deduction for the club fielding him while ineligible due to accumulated bookings.^[1][19] Hartlepool secured a mid-table seventh place with 65 points from 46 games, ensuring survival in the division.^[20] Liddle's versatility proved crucial, allowing him to shift positions seamlessly and contribute to a defense that limited opponents to 67 goals conceded.^[21] His performances earned him the club's Player of the Year award that season.^[22] By 2012, after extending his contract multiple times, Liddle sought a new challenge and transferred to League One side Notts County in June for an undisclosed fee to further his career at a higher level.^[8]

Notts County (2012–2014)

Gary Liddle joined Notts County from Hartlepool United on 21 June 2012, signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee after rejecting a new deal at his previous club.^[23] The move represented a step up to League One, where Liddle's experience as a versatile player from Hartlepool made him a key addition to manager Keith Curle's squad.^[23] During his two seasons at Meadow Lane, Liddle primarily operated as a defensive midfielder, occasionally deploying in central defense or wider roles to provide solidity in the engine room. He made 78 league appearances and scored 4 goals across the 2012–13 and 2013–14 campaigns, contributing to a total of 88 appearances including cup competitions.^[24] In his debut season, Liddle featured in every league minute, helping Notts County secure a comfortable 12th-place finish in League One.^[25] Liddle's performances were instrumental in maintaining mid-table stability, particularly in 2013–14 when Notts County narrowly avoided relegation by finishing 20th with 50 points. His defensive contributions and leadership earned him multiple accolades at the end of the 2012–13 season, including Supporters' Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, and the club's overall Player of the Season award.^[26]

Bradford City (2014–2016)

Gary Liddle joined Bradford City on a free transfer from Notts County in June 2014, signing a one-year contract with an option for an additional year.^[27][28] As a midfielder, he provided defensive solidity and energy in the center of the park, drawing on his experience from previous clubs to help stabilize the squad during competitive League One campaigns.^[29] During his stint at Bradford from 2014 to early 2016, Liddle made 70 appearances across all competitions and scored 4 goals.^[26][29] He was a regular in the 2014–15 season, featuring in 50 matches and contributing 1 goal as Bradford finished seventh in League One and qualified for the play-offs.^[30] Liddle played in both legs of the play-off semi-final against Chesterfield, helping secure a 1–0 first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge before the aggregate loss in the return fixture.^[31] Liddle's most notable contribution came in the 2014–15 FA Cup run, where he started in the famous fourth-round upset against Chelsea on 24 January 2015.^[32] Playing in a 4–4–2 formation alongside Andy Halliday in midfield, he helped Bradford come from 2–0 down to win 4–2 at Stamford Bridge, eliminating the Premier League leaders and advancing to the quarter-finals.^[32] This victory, one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history, highlighted Liddle's role in the team's resilient defensive display and counter-attacking threat.^[32]

Chesterfield (2016–2017)

Liddle signed for Chesterfield from Bradford City on 1 February 2016 for an undisclosed fee, agreeing to a long-term contract as the club sought to bolster their midfield options in League One. Upon arrival, he was immediately appointed as the team's captain, a role that leveraged his prior experience in high-pressure environments at Bradford, including playoff campaigns. This leadership position came during a challenging period for the Spireites, who were aiming to avoid the drop after a precarious previous season. Throughout the 2016–17 campaign, Liddle was a mainstay in the squad, making 46 appearances across all competitions and contributing one goal—a header in a 3–1 home victory over Swindon Town on 13 August 2016. His versatility allowed him to play in midfield and defense, providing defensive solidity amid Chesterfield's struggles. The season proved turbulent, marked by a mid-season managerial change when Danny Wilson and his assistant Chris Morgan were sacked on 8 January 2017 following a poor run of form, with Gary Caldwell appointed as Wilson's replacement shortly after. As captain, Liddle played a key role in maintaining team morale during these difficulties, helping to navigate the final months despite the ultimate outcome. Chesterfield finished bottom of League One with just 34 points from 46 matches, confirming their relegation on 17 April 2017 after a 3–1 defeat to Scunthorpe United. Liddle's efforts underscored his commitment, though the club's woes led to his departure the following month.

Carlisle United (2017–2019)

Gary Liddle joined Carlisle United from Chesterfield on 13 January 2017, signing an 18-month contract for an undisclosed fee.^[33] This mid-season transfer came shortly before Chesterfield's relegation from League One, marking Liddle's brief recovery to League Two football with a club pushing for promotion.^[33] During his two full seasons at Carlisle, Liddle established himself as a reliable central defender, making 112 appearances across all competitions and scoring 2 goals. In the 2017–18 campaign, he contributed to the team's fifth-place finish in League Two, qualifying for the play-off semi-finals against Exeter City, where he featured in the first leg that ended 3–3.^[34] His defensive solidity helped Carlisle secure a strong home record, though they ultimately fell short in the play-offs on penalties after a 3–3 aggregate draw.^[35] The following 2018–19 season saw him continue as a consistent starter, aiding the side's mid-table stability in League Two with his experienced tackling and positional awareness. Liddle's leadership was evident in his occasional role as vice-captain, stepping in to lead the team during injuries to club captain Danny Grainger, such as in a February 2018 run of victories that reignited play-off hopes.^[36] His professionalism and durability were praised by manager Keith Curle, who highlighted Liddle's immediate impact upon arrival and his value in maintaining defensive organization.^[37]

Walsall and loan return to Hartlepool (2019–2020)

In July 2019, Gary Liddle signed a permanent contract with Walsall on a free transfer from Carlisle United, reuniting him with manager Darrell Clarke, a former teammate at Hartlepool United.^[26] The 33-year-old versatile defender-midfielder brought over 600 career appearances to League Two's Saddlers, aiming to bolster their defensive options.^[26] During the first half of the 2019–20 season, Liddle made 10 league appearances for Walsall, starting 8 matches and accumulating approximately 893 minutes, primarily as a central defender. Despite his experience, Liddle's opportunities at Walsall diminished amid competition in the squad and the team's struggles, which saw them languish near the relegation zone by December.^[38] On 19 December 2019, he joined National League side Hartlepool United—his former club from 2006 to 2012—on an initial loan until 29 January 2020, providing a familiar environment and immediate impact in midfield and defense.^[39] This move allowed Liddle to return to Victoria Park, where his prior knowledge of the club and supporters was expected to aid Pools' mid-season reinforcement.^[38] The loan proved successful, and on 30 January 2020, it was extended until the end of the season, enabling Liddle to feature more prominently.^[40] He went on to make 15 appearances in the National League for Hartlepool, all starts totaling 1,350 minutes, without scoring but providing solidity in a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Liddle's return contributed to Hartlepool's improved form, helping them secure a 10th-place finish and avoid any relegation concerns in the curtailed campaign.^[41]

Hartlepool United return (2020–2022)

Following a successful loan spell from Walsall during the second half of the 2019–20 season, Gary Liddle signed permanently for Hartlepool United on a one-year contract on 1 August 2020, after being released by his parent club. The 34-year-old defender, who had previously made over 280 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2012, returned to bolster the defensive options as Hartlepool prepared for the 2020–21 National League campaign under manager Dave Challinor.^[3] Liddle quickly established himself as a key figure in the Pools' backline during the 2020–21 season, making 29 league appearances as the team finished third in the National League and qualified for the promotion play-offs.^[1] His experience and leadership were instrumental in the run to the play-off final, where he started and played the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 victory over Torquay United at Ashton Gate on 20 June 2021, securing Hartlepool's return to the English Football League after a three-year absence.^[42] This marked Liddle's second promotion with the club, 14 years after his first in 2007.^[43] In July 2021, Liddle extended his contract by a further year ahead of Hartlepool's League Two return, where he featured in 26 league matches during the 2021–22 season despite injury interruptions.^[44] Across his second spell at the club from 2020 to 2022, he made 55 league appearances in total, combining his contributions in the National League and League Two.^[1] Liddle departed Hartlepool at the end of the 2021–22 campaign when he was not offered a new deal, concluding his second stint with the club on 80 additional appearances and bringing his overall total for Hartlepool to 364, ranking him tenth in the club's all-time list.^[3][45]

South Shields (2022–2024)

Liddle joined South Shields on 1 July 2022 as a free agent, becoming the club's fourth signing of the summer following the expiry of his contract with Hartlepool United.^[9] The experienced centre-back, who had amassed over 700 senior appearances across his career, primarily in the Football League, added defensive solidity and leadership to the squad managed by Kevin Phillips.^[46] Liddle cited the club's ambition as a key factor in his decision, rejecting a new deal at Hartlepool to pursue further success at a step up in his career trajectory.^[47] In the 2022–23 Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign, Liddle established himself as a cornerstone of the defence, featuring in every league match and playing the full 3,780 minutes as South Shields clinched the title with 98 points from 42 games.^[22] His consistent performances helped the team achieve promotion to the National League North for the first time in the club's history, securing the step up with a 1–0 victory over Whitby Town on 10 April 2023.^[47] Liddle described the promotion as a "massive achievement," highlighting the collective effort over a demanding season.^[47] Liddle also contributed in cup competitions, appearing in the FA Trophy and FA Cup during the season, though South Shields exited the FA Cup in the second qualifying round.^[48] His role extended beyond playing, with the veteran defender mentoring younger teammates amid the club's historic push.^[49] Liddle departed South Shields in March 2024.

Spennymoor Town and Whitby Town (2023–2025)

Following his departure from South Shields in March 2024, Liddle signed for National League North club Spennymoor Town on March 26, until the end of the 2023–24 season.^[50] The move represented a continuation in the sixth tier after his prior non-league experience.^[51] He made two appearances for Spennymoor without scoring, contributing to their defensive efforts in the closing matches of the campaign.^[52] In May 2024, Liddle transferred to Northern Premier League Premier Division side Whitby Town on a two-year deal, initially combining playing duties with an assistant managerial role under head coach Nathan Haslam.^[6] This step down to the seventh tier allowed him to draw on his extensive experience of over 500 EFL matches while supporting the team's promotion ambitions.^[49] During the 2024–25 season, Liddle featured in 17 matches for Whitby, primarily as a centre-back, helping stabilize the defense amid a competitive league schedule.^[4] His contributions underscored a gradual shift toward coaching as he wound down his playing career in the lower non-league pyramid.^[53]

Retirement

On 9 February 2025, Gary Liddle announced his retirement from playing at the age of 38 while serving as player-manager at Whitby Town, following his 800th senior career appearance in a match against Macclesfield the previous day.^[5] The decision marked the end of a professional career that began at Middlesbrough in 2003 and spanned multiple clubs across English football leagues.^[3] Less than two months later, on 5 April 2025, Liddle briefly came out of retirement to feature in Whitby Town's Northern Premier League Premier Division fixture against Lancaster City, where he started as a defender in a 1–0 victory secured by a late penalty.^[54] This appearance brought his total senior games to 801, providing a fitting, one-off return before he recommitted to non-playing duties.^[55] Post-retirement, Liddle transitioned fully to management, continuing his role at Whitby Town to focus on team development and strategy without the physical demands of playing.^[56]

Managerial career

Whitby Town (2024–present)

Liddle was appointed as player-manager of Whitby Town on 8 October 2024, taking over from Nathan Haslam midway through the 2024–25 Northern Premier League Premier Division season.^[57][58] In his initial months, Liddle balanced on-field contributions as a centre-back with leadership responsibilities, drawing on his extensive professional experience to stabilize the squad amid a challenging campaign.^[6][49] Guiding the team to a 16th-place finish in the 2024–25 season, Liddle successfully steered Whitby away from the relegation zone, ensuring their continued status in the seventh tier of English football.^[56] On 9 February 2025, Liddle announced his retirement from playing, enabling a full transition to managerial duties and deeper integration of coaching strategies without the demands of active participation.^[5] As of 16 November 2025, Liddle has managed 60 matches for Whitby Town, achieving 22 wins, 12 draws, and 26 losses for a 36.7% win rate.^[59]

Hartlepool United academy (2025–present)

On 2 July 2025, Gary Liddle was appointed as Lead Professional Development Phase Coach at Hartlepool United's academy, marking his return to the club in a coaching capacity after retiring from playing earlier that year.^[7][60] In this role, Liddle works closely with players aged 17 to 21, focusing on their tactical, technical, and personal development to prepare them for senior football, drawing on his extensive experience from over 800 professional appearances.^[7][61] He collaborates with Academy Manager Alex Cross and other staff to nurture emerging talent, emphasizing guidance toward first-team opportunities at Hartlepool.^[60][56] Liddle, who previously made 364 appearances for Hartlepool across three spells as a player, balances this position with his ongoing managerial duties at Whitby Town, creating synergies such as scouting academy prospects for potential moves to the Northern Premier League club.^[7][56] At the time of his appointment, he was in the process of completing his UEFA A Licence, which further equips him to lead player progression in the professional development phase.^[7][60][56] Early in his tenure, Liddle assumed additional responsibility as Lead U17s Coach, overseeing pre-season preparations that included a 6-1 friendly victory over Billingham Synthonia Reserves on 29 July 2025, where all squad members gained playing time and multiple players scored.^[61] This integration has been praised by academy leadership for enhancing the program's focus on holistic player growth, with Liddle expressing enthusiasm for mentoring the next generation based on his own journey at the club.^[60][56]

Career statistics

Playing statistics

Gary Liddle's playing career encompassed over 730 appearances across English football's professional and semi-professional levels from 2006 to 2025, during which he scored 31 goals and provided 18 assists.^[4] He accumulated 98 yellow cards and 3 red cards in total.^[4] Liddle never featured in the Premier League or the Championship, with the bulk of his professional output occurring in League One and League Two.^[2] The following table summarizes his performance data by major competition, excluding minor cups and non-league fixtures beyond the National League.^[4] Liddle's club-by-club league statistics, focusing on EFL and National League appearances, are outlined below (cup matches excluded for conciseness; totals derived from aggregated seasonal data).^[1] In his later non-league career with South Shields (2022–2023), where he played every minute of the promotion-winning 2022–23 season, Spennymoor Town (2023–2024; 2 appearances in National League North), and Whitby Town (2024–2025), Liddle added approximately 80 further appearances without scoring, contributing to defensive solidity in lower-tier competitions.^[52]

Managerial statistics

Gary Liddle's managerial record is derived entirely from his tenure at Whitby Town in the Northern Premier League, where he assumed the role on 8 October 2024 following his time as assistant manager. As of November 2025, he has managed 50 matches across all competitions, guiding the team to a 16th-place finish in the 2024–25 Premier Division season despite taking over mid-campaign. His overall win percentage stands at 36%, reflecting a solid defensive structure built on his playing experience but challenged by the competitive nature of the league. The following table summarizes Liddle's managerial statistics at Whitby Town: In league play within the Northern Premier League Premier Division, Liddle has managed 36 matches, recording 13 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses, contributing to the team's survival with 48 points from his games alone. Cup competitions, including the FA Cup, FA Trophy, and league cups, account for the remaining 14 matches, where Whitby achieved 5 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, advancing to the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy in 2024–25. No senior managerial statistics are available from his concurrent role with Hartlepool United's academy, which focuses on youth development.

Honours

Club

• [[Hartlepool United]] ** [[2006–07 Football League Two|League Two]] second place: 2007^[62] ** [[2020–21 National League|National League]] play-offs: 2021^[63]
• [[South Shields F.C.|South Shields]] ** [[Northern Premier League Premier Division]] champions: 2022–23^[64]

Individual

• Hartlepool United Players' Player of the Year (joint): 2006–07^[3]
• Notts County Player of the Year: 2012–13^[65]
• Notts County Manager's Player of the Year: 2012–13^[65]
• Notts County Players' Player of the Year: 2012–13^[65]
• Notts County Fans' Player of the Year: 2012–13^[65]
• South Shields Player of the Year: 2022–23^[51]