Craig Liddle Joins Sunderland's Academy Staff

Sunderland have announced that former Darlington boss Craig Liddle has joined the clubs academy staff, currently overseen by Ged McNamee and Kevin Ball.

Liddle started his coaching career working with youngsters at Darlington College before moving to Darlington's team in a full-time capacity as coach of their youth set-up. More recently during Darlo's on going financial crisis Liddle stepped to manage the first team, and despite them dropping out of the the Blue Square Premier League this season, Liddle was hailed for his good work with the team, which contained many youngsters.

Notably the 40-year old brought through talents such as David Stockdale and Dan Burn, both of whom are now at Fulham and highly rated Middlesbrough striker, Curtis Main.

Liddle also worked with Jordan Pickford, who will be with the development squad next season, and pushing for a place as the clubs third choice keeper. Defender, Liam Bagnall, also spent time at The Quakers but was released by Sunderland last week.

Ged McNamee spoke highly of Liddle with the Sunderland Echo, telling them;

Craig is a fantastic young coach who will bring great knowledge and enthusiasm to our Academy scholars. We have all seen the passion Craig has for football over the years, especially recently at Darlington, and I'm sure our young players will look forward to working with him.

Liddle is a good signing to the academy staff, who now have two coaches with Premier League experience as a players, and have managed first teams, even if only on an interim basis.