Former Darlington boss Liddle joins Sunderland coaching staff (From Durham Times)

Former Darlington boss Liddle joins Sunderland coaching staff

11:34am Monday 21st May 2012 in Sunderland AFC By Scott Wilson

SUNDERLAND have confirmed that former Darlington manager Craig Liddle has joined the club's academy coaching staff.

The ex-Quakers caretaker manager will link up with the Black Cats' youngsters as development coach for the club's full-time under-17s and 18s scholars.

The former centre-half, who started his career at Aston Villa before enjoying spells with Middlesbrough and Darlington, will take up his new role from June 11. He will work with academy manager Ged McNamee's team of backroom staff.

McNamee said: "Craig is a fantastic young coach who will bring great knowledge and enthusiasm to our academy scholars.

"We have all seen the passion he has for football over the years, especially recently at Darlington and I'm sure our young lads will look forward to working with Craig."

Born in Chester-le-Street, Liddle has worked in the North-East since 1991 where he played for Blyth Spartans before making the move to Middlesbrough in 1994.

The 40-year-old spent four years on Teesside before moving to Darlington in 1998.

Liddle took up his first coaching role in 2008 as Darlington's youth-team

coach and has been caretaker manager of Darlington's first team on four separate occasions.