The Seasiders captured the signature of the former Hartlepool United and Bradford City defender last week, adding experience in abundance to their ranks ahead of the upcoming Northern Premier League campaign.

Liddle became Nathan Haslam's second summer signing, following the arrival of young centre-back Mitch Parkinson. The 37-year-old's arrival was then followed by the acquisition of Sam Collins after his release from Middlesbrough.

And Liddle, who won the NPL Premier Division with South Shields in 2022, told whitbytownfc.com: "I've known Nath (Haslam) for a good couple of years now and I've always been fond of Whitby with it being close to where I live. I've always had good memories of playing there and I've watched Whitby a good few times.

"I know it's a club that's always been on the cusp of doing something good in the Northern Premier League and I think over the last couple of years they've perhaps fallen a little bit short in terms of consistency.

"I feel I can come in and help this young squad hopefully progress a little bit further."

Having lifted the NPL Premier Division trophy two years ago, a title secured with victory at the Towbar Express Stadium for South Shields, Liddle has gained valuable experience at the level.

Liddle, who has achieved plenty in his lengthy EFL career, is determined to bring his nouse to Whitby Town following his arrival.

The ex-Middlesbrough youngster, who made over 500 appearances in the English professional game, added: "It was an eye opener when I first dropped down to the NPL at South Shields. The biggest side I found was the mental side of the game in terms of going to grounds you haven't played at before on a Tuesday night.

"It was about being professional off the pitch which then made that transition easier on the pitch.

"I was quite shocked at how good some of the teams were at first but if you can find that consistency then you've got a good chance of having a successful campaign.

"I hope that I can bring my experiences from winning the league with South Shields to Whitby next season."

While being set to play a key role in Whitby's playing squad during the 2024/25 season, Liddle has also taken up the role of being Assistant to manager Haslam as he looks to mould into coaching towards the latter end of his playing career.

Liddle revealed that this was part of the pull towards Whitby Town given the opportunity that was presented to him.

"I think moving into coaching is a natural progression for me," he said. "I've played the game since I left school at 16 when I went straight to Middlesbrough. I've played right through the levels from the Championship right down to the NPL when I joined South Shields.

"I've built up some good experience and played touching 800 games so I feel that I've got what it takes to move into the coaching side of things.

"The opportunity to move into coaching was a big draw for me so I'm really looking forward to doing that.

"First and foremost I'll hopefully play as many games as I can this season. I've been lucky throughout my career in terms of injuries where I've been able to play plenty of games each season, hence the 800 mark that I'm approaching.

"I'd love to do that again and hit that milestone but if I have any injuries, suspensions, or if I'm just rested, I'll be there by Nath's side which is something I'm massively looking forward to as well."

Photo credit: South Shields Football Club