Walsall FC are delighted to announce the signing of the vastly experienced Gary Liddle.
The versatile 33-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, has made over 600 career appearances during spells with Hartlepool, Notts County, Bradford, Chesterfield and Carlisle.
An FA Youth Cup winner with hometown Middlesbrough, Liddle moved to Hartlepool in August 2006 and helped Pool gain promotion from League Two in his first season.
He made 283 appearances in six seasons at Victoria Park before signing for Notts County, where he was named Supporters’ Player, Players’ Player and Manager’s Player of the Year for 2012/13.
Joining Bradford in June 2014, Liddle was part of the Bantams team that stunned Chelsea en route to the FA Cup quarter-finals, featuring 76 times for City overall.
He spent 11 months at Chesterfield followed by 18 at Carlisle, where he scored twice in 117 outings.
“I am thrilled to be here,” said Liddle. “Darrell [Clarke] was the first person who called me when I was on holiday and, even though it has taken a little bit longer, I am glad it’s sorted now.
“I had a few phone calls from different managers but it’s always nice to have a call very early on. It shows their desire and that they want to bring you in.
“Plenty of managers say the right things but you don’t always get a contract offer. Darrell put his cards on the table from the off and I am looking forward to working with him.
“I have played in a few different positions and started off as a midfielder but I can also drop back into defence.
“I have made over 600 appearances in my career for five clubs and I have always given 100% no matter where I am.”
Manager Darrell Clarke added: “I know Lids and played with him many moons ago when he was at Hartlepool.
“He’s very experienced for this level and is my fifth and final experienced player that I wanted to bring into the club.
“He can play multiple positions: right side of a centre-half three; central of a centre-half three; and as a sitting, deep-lying midfielder.
“He’s a great passer of the ball, a model pro and we’re really pleased to add him to Guthrie, Sinclair, Sadler and James Clarke – my five leaders in the group.”