Pools legend Gary Liddle has called time on his playing career after making his 800th appearance this weekend.

The defender has officially hung the boots up, over 21 years after signing his first professional contract.

Liddle enjoyed three spells at the Prestige Group Stadium, first joining in 2006 after leaving Middlesbrough and making his senior debut under Danny Wilson at the age of 20.

That season saw Liddle share the Players’ Player of the Year award with Michael Nelson as Pools were promoted to League One.

He enjoyed six seasons in the blue and white, racking up 284 appearances, before departing in 2014.

Liddle then returned to Pools in 2019/20, on loan from Walsall, before making the move permanent that summer.

He added 80 appearances to his name in Hartlepool colours, most memorably playing in the 2021 National League play-off final against Torquay United.

The following season, Liddle captained Pools as they faced top flight Crystal Palace in the Emirates FA Cup third round.

He made a total of 364 appearances at the Prestige Group Stadium, taking him to tenth in the Club’s all time list.

Liddle, who has also played for the likes of Notts County, Bradford City and Carlisle United, made his 800th and final career appearance for Whitby Town on Saturday, where he now sets his sights on managing.

Congratulations on an incredible career, Lids!