Hartlepool appoint ex-defender Liddle as coach

Hartlepool United have appointed former defender Gary Liddle as first team coach to strengthen manager Nicky Featherstone's backroom staff.

The 39-year-old made 364 senior appearances for Pools over three spells with the club and helped them to promotion from the National League through the play-offs in 2021.

Liddle, who has also worked in Hartlepool's academy as a lead professional development phase coach, has left his position as manager of Northern Premier League side Whitby Town in order to take on the role.

"I know this club extremely well and a large part of my adult and football life has been spent here, so it means a great deal to me," Liddle said.

"It's been great to be back around the club again through my work in the academy and now I want to help Nicky take the first team to where we believe it should be."