Whitby Town manager Gary Liddle has taken on an additional coaching role at former club Hartlepool United, reinforcing his commitment to the Seasiders while seizing an opportunity to work with young talent at his boyhood club.
Liddle, a legend at Hartlepool United with 364 appearances across three playing spells, will serve as the Lead Professional Development Phase Coach.
The appointment sees the 39-year-old return to a club he holds "close" and "loves," following a storied 22-year playing career encompassing over 800 appearances. Liddle expressed his delight at the opportunity, stating,
“I’m delighted to be coming back to the football club for a fourth spell, this time in a coaching capacity. It’s obviously a club I hold close – a club I love – and I’m really happy to be given the opportunity by Joe and Alex to be here again”.
Crucially for Whitby Town supporters, Liddle has affirmed his full commitment to his managerial duties at the Northern Premier League club. He clarified the nature of his new role, stating,
"I took on that role knowing that I could obviously still have full commitment to Whitby town.
So yeah, you know, I, I'm, I'm still all in, in Whitby obviously. The Whitby is obviously a part-time gig, although a lot of my time obviously does go into Whitby, No, no worries on that part.
It's a role that I'm happy to go back into a football club that I obviously know very well spent a lot of my career there and, I've been given an opportunity to take on their youth, team.
So now looking forward to that. But as I said, no for full commitment into Whitby Town, obviously. And, we carry on with what is a busy preseason schedule. "
This sentiment was echoed in the Hartlepool United announcement, noting he would be combining his roles.
Liddle's extensive experience, which includes stepping into coaching last season with Whitby Town before being appointed manager in October 2024, is expected to benefit both clubs. After announcing his playing retirement in February 2025, Liddle successfully guided the Seasiders away from relegation to a respectable 16th-place finish in the Northern Premier League. During his tenure at Whitby, he notably worked with several Hartlepool prospects, including Louis Stephenson, Campbell Darcy, Alfie Steel, and Joe Aungiers.
The dual role presents a potential synergy between the clubs, particularly for Whitby Town's player recruitment. Liddle confirmed that his daily work with younger players at Hartlepool will allow him to assess their potential for Whitby.
"Yeah, a hundred percent. That's already been spoken about. I'll obviously be working with a lot of the younger players on a daily basis now no, I'll certainly have the opportunity to cast an eye over the, over those lads and hopefully one or two will crop up who I feel will benefit Whitby Town. And no I'll certainly look to do that if the opportunity arose. And I feel like there'll be a player or two there who will be able to influence the team and add to us. "
Hartlepool United Academy Manager Alex Cross commented on Liddle’s appointment, stating,
“It is great to welcome Gary back to the club and to have him on board with the academy. The players and staff will benefit from his playing experience and knowledge of the club, of which I have no doubt will help aid the development of our young players".
Cross also acknowledged the timing as "perfect for all parties" given Liddle's ongoing role at Whitby Town.
As Liddle continues to complete his UEFA A Licence, his return to Hartlepool United in a coaching capacity marks a new chapter, promising benefits for both the developing talent at Pools and the strategic growth of Whitby Town.
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