Gary Liddle posts classy message to Hartlepool United fans with future up in the air

Boss Dave Challinor has made it clear he wanted to make the loan signing of Liddle a permanent one this summer.

But with the coronavirus pandemic seeing all football suspended in March and the 2019-20 campaign then cancelled this week and it not yet clear when the next season will be able to start, everything is up in the air.

Pools have eight players under contract for next season with Challinor retaining full control over which of the other soon-to-be out-of-contract players are offered new deals, or not.

Liddle, 33, had been on loan at Pools from Walsall.

Posting on his Instagram account, Liddle said: “Ended prematurely but expected and totally understandable under the circumstances.

“Enjoyed being back at The Vic again 8 years after I left, a lot has changed in that time, but really appreciated the welcome from everyone at the club from players, staff and fans...and being a part of a really good group of lads who are taking the club in the direction it deserves.

“Good luck 👍🏼 #stayhome #staysafe”

Speaking in February, before the global pandemic led to the suspension of football, Challinor said: “It’s the same with lots of players, Lidds is a similar situation.

“If we can get things in place with those two and if there are agreements between us and the players and their representatives almost as a gentleman's agreement, then we’ll get things sorted.”