South Shields recruit outlines promotion goal

Experienced defender Gary Liddle says new club South Shields have set the target of winning the Pitching In NPL Premier Division as champions.

Liddle, 36, has linked up with the Mariners ahead of the new season, having amassed over 700 senior appearances throughout his career.

He joins a South Shields side that tasted play-off heartbreak last season, losing 6-5 on penalties at home to Warrington Town after the match ended 1-1 after extra-time.

With 16 years at Football League level, Liddle is excited to put his knowledge to good use and help Kevin Phillips’ squad finally make the leap to the National League North.

“I’ve gained a lot of experience over my career, playing well over 700 games, all of which have mainly been in the Football League," he told the Hartlepool Mail.

“I’ve got a lot of experience to give and if I can give that side of the game to the younger lads in the squad and to the people in and around me and help us achieve success on and off the field then that will be great for me.

“The aim will be to get out of this league, ideally as champions. That has been the remit since the first day when we had a team meeting and that was put across to us and that’s what we expect to do this season, that’s for sure.”

Photo Credit: South Shields