Liddle joins academy coaching staff

Sunderland have made their first addition of the summer, appointing former Darlington boss Craig Liddle as an academy coach.

The former Quakers player, coach and manager earned any number of plaudits for the dignified way in which he steered a sinking ship this season before leaving the club at the end of the season.

Liddle had previously been coaching within the academy at Darlington before taking the first-team reigns on a temporary basis this season.

Unable to appoint a new manager, Darlo turned to Liddle who took up the thankless task for the remainder of the season before the administration-hampered outfit were finally relegated.

The 40 year-old told The Sunderland Echo that the trials and tribulations of his spell at the Northern Echo Arena would stand him in good stead:

‘I think my time as Darlington manager strengthened my knowledge but youth football has always been my passion.

“I have known about this for a while but it was important I did everything I could for Darlington and not allow it to be a distraction.’

Liddle continued by stating his ambitions for the club’s youngsters:

“I will be working with good staff at Sunderland and I am really looking forward to it.

“Jordan Henderson is the one that springs to mind but they have brough a few good players through in recent years.

“For me to be given the opportunity to work with that calibre of players is exciting.”

Welcome Craig!