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.

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. At Sunderland he progressed through the youth side and was given a professional contract ahead of the 2008–09 season. 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.

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. His debut came the following day, in the starting eleven for Carlisle's 3–1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion. The loan was first extended until 14 February 2009, and then to the end of the season; he went on to make 22 appearances.

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

On 6 January 2011, Liddle joined Gateshead on a 28-day loan. 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, which was voted Gateshead's goal of the season. His loan was e