Hartlepool United announce return of Gary Liddle on loan from Walsall as manager Dave Challinor explains deal

Gary Liddle of Hartlepool United in action during the Johnstone's Paint Trophy first round match between Hartlepool United and Northampton Town at Victoria Park on August 31, 2010 in Hartlepool, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

The versatile 33-year-old made just shy of 300 appearances for Pools between 2006 and 2012 before moving on to Notts County.

Manager Dave Challinor was keen to bolster his defensive options going into a busy festive period as he said: “We’ve looked at the goals we’ve been conceding and how they have came about.

“We need a bit of know how, leadership and experience and we've been trying to add but what is available and what is suitable are different.

“Lidds moved to Walsall in the summer and played as a midfielder though he's a centre back and he definitely adds to what we've got with his experience playing 600 plus league games.

“He knows the club, he knows the expectations of the fans and I think he'll be a good fit for us and he’ll be in the squad on Saturday.”