Michael Liddle

Michael William Liddle (born 25 December 1989) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for National League North club Blyth Spartans. He began his club career with Sunderland, though appeared only once for the first team, and spent time on loan at Carlisle United, Leyton Orient, Gateshead and Accrington Stanley, before joining the latter club on a permanent basis in 2012. He then moved into non-league football with Dunston UTS, Blyth Spartans and Darlington, before returning to Blyth Spartans in 2021.

Michael Liddle
Liddle playing for Accrington Stanley in 2014
Personal information
Full name Michael William Liddle[1]
Date of birth (1989-12-25) 25 December 1989[1]
Place of birth Hounslow,[2] England
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)[1]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Blyth Spartans
Youth career
2006–2008 Sunderland
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2012 Sunderland 0 (0)
2008–2009 → Carlisle United (loan) 22 (0)
2010 → Leyton Orient (loan) 1 (0)
2011 → Gateshead (loan) 23 (2)
2012 → Accrington Stanley (loan) 12 (0)
2012–2015 Accrington Stanley 66 (0)
2016 Dunston UTS 10 (0)
2016–2019 Blyth Spartans
2019–2021 Darlington 29 (1)
2021– Blyth Spartans 60 (3)
International career
2008–2009 Republic of Ireland U21 5 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13:29, 24 September 2023 (UTC)

He has played for Ireland at under-18, under-19 and under-21 level.

Club career

Sunderland

Liddle started his footballing career with Haydon Bridge and Sunderland, whom he joined as a youth player.[3] At Sunderland he progressed through the youth side and was given a professional contract ahead of the 2008–09 season.[4] 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.[5]

Loan spells

On 14 November 2008, Liddle joined League One club Carlisle United on two months' loan; he joined up with fellow Sunderland loanee Graham Kavanagh.[6] His debut came the following day, in the starting eleven for Carlisle's 3–1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion.[7] The loan was first extended until 14 February 2009,[8] and then to the end of the season; he went on to make 22 appearances.[9]

Liddle signed a four-month youth loan with another League One club, Leyton Orient, on 5 August 2010,[10] but returned to Sunderland after only a month because of a groin injury. His only appearance was in the starting eleven against Yeovil Town.[11]

On 6 January 2011, Liddle joined Gateshead on a 28-day loan.[12] 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,[13] which was voted Gateshead's goal of the season.[14] His loan was extended to the end of the 2010–11 season, which he finished with 22 Conference Premier appearances.[15][16]

Accrington Stanley

Liddle joined League Two club Accrington Stanley on loan for an initial month on 24 February 2012,[17] 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.[18] He made 12 appearances, all in league competition.[19]

He signed a one-year permanent deal with Stanley in July 2012; the fee was undisclosed.[20] 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.[21] He finished the season with 36 appearances in all competitions.[22]

Liddle signed a new one-year contract with the club ahead of the 2013–14 season.[23] He appeared in the first five matches of the season before an ankle injury was to keep him out for two months;[24] he returned to the first team as a late substitute against Wycombe Wanderers.[25] 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.[26]

After signing on for a third year,[27] 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.[28] He finished the season with 15 league appearances, more than half as a substitute, and was released when his contract expired.[1][29]

Later career

Liddle went on trial at Scottish Championship club Hibernian.[30] However, he suffered a knee injury during a development match and the club offered him support during his recovery period.[31]

After a spell with Northern League club Dunston UTS towards the end of the 2015–16 season,[32][33] Liddle joined Blyth Spartans of the Northern Premier League in June 2016.[34] He made his debut in the opening game of the season, in a 3-1 win over Coalville Town.[35] He spent three seasons with Spartans and then signed for National League North club Darlington in May 2019.[36] Despite interruptions through injury,[37] 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,[38] and left the club at the end of that season.[39]

Liddle rejoined Blyth Spartans in May 2021.[40]

International career

Liddle was born in England and qualifies to play for Ireland because his mother is Irish.[41] 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.[42] At that stage he had not made an appearance for his club after being signed on a professional contract in the 2008–09 season.[43] 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".[42] He started against Austria, in a 1–1 draw.[44] Liddle said "The call-up came as a big surprise. I didn't expect it. When I was named in the starting eleven I [sic] buzzing!"[41] He made further appearances against Bulgaria, Portugal, Lithuania and Germany.[45]

Career statistics
As of match played 23 September 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Sunderland 2008–09[43] Premier League 00—00—00
2009–10[5] Premier League 001000—10
2010–11[16] Premier League 00———00
2011–12[19] Premier League 000000—00
Total 001000—10
Carlisle United (loan) 2008–09[43] League One 22010——230
Leyton Orient (loan) 2010–11[16] League One 10—000010
Gateshead (loan) 2010–11[1][16] Conference Premier 232[lower-alpha 1]——5[lower-alpha 2]0282
Accrington Stanley (loan) 2011–12[19] League Two 120———120
Accrington Stanley 2012–13[22] League Two320301000360
2013–14[25] League Two19000201[lower-alpha 3]0220
2014–15[47] League Two150400000190
Total 780703010890
Dunston UTS 2015–16[33] Northern League Div One100———100
Blyth Spartans 2016–17[48] Northern Premier League Premier 390
2017–18[1][48] National League North 33200—1[lower-alpha 2]0342
2018–19[1][48][49] National League North 32130—4[lower-alpha 2]1392
Total 65330511124
Darlington 2019–20[1][50] National League North 21140—4[lower-alpha 2]0291
2020–21[1][51] National League North 8041—2[lower-alpha 2]0141
Total 29181—60432
Blyth Spartans 2021–22[1][52] National League North 26130—1[lower-alpha 2]0301
2022–23[1][53] National League North 24030—00270
2023–24[1][54] National League North 10220—00122
Total 60380—10693
Career total 28892813018137611
  1. Figure includes the first goal against Luton Town on 23 January 2011, which Gateshead F.C. attribute to Liddle,[46] though statistics databases give it to another player.
  2. Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
  3. Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy

References
  1. "M. Liddle". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  2. "Michael Liddle". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  3. "Michael Liddle". Sunderland A.F.C. Archived from the original on 17 December 2008. Retrieved 15 November 2008.
  4. "Sunderland tie up academy deals". BBC Sport. 30 May 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  5. "Games played by Michael Liddle in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  6. "Carlisle loan for Liddle". Sky Sports. 14 November 2008. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  7. "Carlisle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion". Carlisle United F.C. 15 November 2008. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
  8. "Liddle stays with Carlisle". Sky Sports. 5 January 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  9. Colman, Jon (3 February 2009). "Michael Liddle to stay with Carlisle Utd for rest of season". Cumberland News. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
  10. "Leyton Orient sign Sunderland's Liddle". BBC Sport. 5 August 2010. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
  11. "Liddle back with Black Cats". Sky Sports. 8 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  12. Bowron, Jeff (6 January 2011). "Gateshead bring in Black Cat on loan". Gateshead F.C. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
  13. Bowron, Jeff (9 January 2011). "Gateshead 2–2 Kidderminster Harriers". Gateshead F.C. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2011.
  14. Bowron, Jeff (6 May 2011). "Gateshead FC 2010/11 Awards". Gateshead F.C. Archived from the original on 24 September 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
  15. Bowron, Jeff (31 January 2011). "Michael Liddle stay extended". Gateshead F.C. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
  16. "Games played by Michael Liddle in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  17. "Liddle makes Stanley move". Sky Sports. 24 February 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  18. "Liddle extends Stanley stay". Sky Sports. 27 March 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  19. "Games played by Michael Liddle in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  20. "Sunderland's Michael Liddle joins Accrington Stanley". BBC Sport. 18 July 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  21. "Blues net thrilling last gasp winner". Derbyshire Times. 19 September 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
    Flanagan, Chris (21 September 2012). "Depleted Accrington Stanley are eager to give it a shot". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  22. "Games played by Michael Liddle in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  23. "Liddle means a lot to Stanley". Sky Sports. 14 June 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  24. "Chesterfield v Accrington preview". Sky Sports. 6 September 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  25. "Games played by Michael Liddle in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  26. Jewell, Dan (16 January 2014). "Lee Naylor leaves club". Accrington Stanley F.C. Archived from the original on 16 January 2014.
    "Accrington v Morecambe preview". Sky Sports. 19 March 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  27. "Liddle latest to stay". Accrington Stanley F.C. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  28. Marshall, Tyrone (12 November 2014). "Accrington Stanley defender Michael Liddle delighted with return to action". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  29. "Joyce could leave Accrington". Sky Sports. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  30. McGlade, Neil (15 August 2015). "Defender Michael Liddle handed trial at Hibs". Edinburgh Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 August 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  31. Hardie, David (15 August 2015). "Hibs will help trialist Michael Liddle after injury". Edinburgh Evening News. Archived from the original on 3 November 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  32. Simpson, Ray (11 March 2016). "Leaders Shildon face tough away game". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  33. "Dunston UTS FC Player Stats 2015–2016 Northern League Only". Dunston UTS FC. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  34. Bowron, Jeff (15 June 2016). "Former Newcastle United midfielder signs for Blyth Spartans in major coup for club". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
  35. Maxwell, Glen (13 August 2016). "Match Report: Blyth Spartans 3–1 Coalville Town". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  36. Loughlin, Nick (27 May 2019). "Quakers sign Blyth defender Liddle". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  37. Stoddart, Craig (4 March 2020). "Darlington's Michael Liddle aiming to 'get back to that real sharpness'". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  38. "National League North and South clubs vote to null and void season but National League to continue". Sky Sports. 18 February 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  39. Simpson, Ray (4 May 2021). "Luke Charman agrees extension to his current contract". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  40. Cronin, Jordan (6 May 2021). "Arrival: Michael Liddle returns to Blyth Spartans". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  41. "I've had a Liddle taste of glory & I liked it". Daily Mirror. 23 August 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2013 – via NewsBank.
  42. "Irish under-21 call-up for Liddle". BBC Sport. 14 August 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  43. "Games played by Michael Liddle in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  44. "Stoppage-time equaliser denies Irish U21s victory in Austria". Football Association of Ireland. 19 August 2008. Archived from the original on 28 August 2008.
  45. "Republic of Ireland U21 (Men's) UEFA Championship 2011 – Results – Seasons 2008/2009/2010". Football Association of Ireland. Archived from the original on 2 April 2009.
  46. Bowron, Jeff (23 January 2013). "Luton Town 2–2 Gateshead". Gateshead F.C. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  47. "Games played by Michael Liddle in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  48. "Michael Liddle". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  49. "Match Report: Spartans come from behind to earn replay". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. 25 September 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
    O'Brien, Liam (28 September 2018). "Match Report: Maguire's late heroics secure Spartans' path in FA Cup". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
    "Blyth Spartans v Marske United". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. 24 November 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  50. For FA Cup qualifying rounds: Simpson, Ray (21 September 2019). "Quakers win first FA Cup tie in five years". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
    Simpson, Ray (5 October 2019). "Tyrone and Justin put Quakers through". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
    Simpson, Ray (19 October 2019). "Two from Tyrone help to fire Quakers into the first round". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
    For FA Trophy third qualifying round: Simpson, Ray (23 November 2019). "Sub Justin scores the winner". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  51. For FA Cup qualifying rounds: Simpson, Ray (3 October 2020). "Quakers win penalty shootout to go through in Cup". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
    Simpson, Ray (13 October 2020). "Early Liddle goal sets up Quakers goal spree". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  52. For FA Cup qualifying rounds: O'Brien, Liam (18 September 2021). "Report: Blyth Spartans 1–1 FC United of Manchester: FA Cup: 21/22". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    "Report: FC United of Manchester 0–12 Blyth Spartans: FA Cup replay: 21/22". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    "Report: Guiseley 1–0 Blyth Spartans: FA Cup: 21/22". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. 2 October 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  53. For FA Cup 2nd and 3rd qualifying rounds: Burton, Stephen (17 September 2022). "Report: Blyth Spartans 2–0 Guiseley AFC: Emirates FA Cup: 22/23". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    Birch, Alex (1 October 2022). "Recap: Chorley 0 Blyth Spartans 1". Chorley F.C. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  54. For FA Cup 2nd qualifying round: "Match Report: Blyth Spartans 1–1 Bradford (Park Avenue): Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round: 2023/24". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. 17 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
    "Match Report: Bradford (Park Avenue) 1–3 Blyth Spartans: Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. 19 September 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
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