Craig Liddle - Playing Career

Playing Career

Born in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, Liddle was a centre half who played professional football for Aston Villa, Middlesbrough F.C. and Darlington F.C. (also called "The Quakers").

Liddle started his professional career at Aston Villa in 1990, where he had been a trainee, when he signed his first professional contract. However, the Chester-le-Street-born star was released after just one season for failing to impress. He joined local team Blyth Spartans, where he spent the next three seasons.

In 1994, he moved to Middlesbrough when Bryan Robson signed him at the start of the Boro revolution; he went on to make 25 first team appearances in his four years at the Riverside.

He joined Darlington on loan in February 1998. In 16 games he made a good impression, playing not only in defence, but also as a midfielder. On 1 July 1998, David Hodgson got him join Darlington for a nominal fee.

During his time with Darlington F.C., Liddle showed his professional skills as a footballer and was a popular club captain. Rated by fans as one of the best defenders in the Third Division, he attracted interest from other clubs. He was voted Darlington's all-time cult hero by BBC Football Focus viewers with 70% of the vote.

His last seasons at the club were marked by injury, as his career took its toll. His 300th appearance for Darlington on 1 May 2004 was marked by a commemorative beer brewed by the Darwen Brewery – Liddle's Best, as well as specially printed T-shirts going on sale. On the announcement on his retirement in May 2005 Liddle was granted a testimonial against his former club Middlesbrough in July 2005. Due to a hoax bomb threat the game had to be abandoned at half time.