HARTLEPOOL United club legend Gary Liddle has declined the offer of a new contract and will leave the club at the end of the month.

The 35-year-old was offered fresh terms to extend his stay for another season. However, Liddle will end his time at the club after 364 appearances across two spells at the club.

It’s understood that Liddle is set to complete a move to a side lower down the divisions is being lined up.

After switching from Middlesbrough’s academy to Pools, Liddle spent six years in the first team playing as a midfielder and was part of some of the sides most successful years in League One where he featured 283 times until leaving in 2012 for Notts County.

Liddle would go on to have spells with Bradford City, Chesterfield, Carlisle United and Walsall before returning to Pools for a loan spell in December 2019 whilst they were in the National League.

After making the switch permanent the following summer, Liddle would go on to play a key role in the club’s ascent back to League Two playing in their promotion final win over Torquay United last summer.

Pools Chairman Raj Singh said: “Everyone at Hartlepool United would like to wish Gary all the very best for the future. We thank him sincerely for his service to the club. He has been a remarkable servant and true professional both on and off the pitch.”

“We have discussed the clubs future plans and in context we understand Gary’s reasons. He has an opportunity to join a club on a long term deal with security for himself and his family at this stage in his career. He leaves with our best wishes and he will always be welcome at the Suit Direct Stadium.”