he played 48 hours later against Brighton & Hove Albion. Pools then recognised later he should have not appeared and informed the FA. Pools were charged with fielding an ineligible player and deducted 3 points. That meant with 1 game of the season to go, they were in a relegation battle, but a draw at Brentford on the final day of the season kept them up. On 13 August 2011, while playing in a home league match against Walsall, Liddle suffered an injury, as his zygomatic bone became fractured in two places. He was able to complete the match, which ended in a 1–1 draw. However, he was sidelined afterwards. For his return to playing, he wore a protective mask. On 19 May 2012, it was announced that Liddle was released from Hartlepool United after six years after he rejected a new deal. He made 238 appearances for the club during his first spell with the club. Notts County Liddle signed for League One club Notts County on 21 June 2012 on a two-year contract. Liddle stated that it was Keith Curle's desire to manage in the Championship that played a big part in the switch. "Keith wants to manage in the Championship with Notts. That's why I came here. Hopefully I can help him do that". Before the start of the 2012–13 season, Liddle admitted there was a challenge to earn a first team spot. "It's the most competitive squad I've ever been in, If I get the shirt I will have to play well to keep it and if I'm not in the team I'll have to work even harder in training to get in there." He made his competitive debut for the club in a 2–1 victory over Crewe Alexandra, partnering Dean Leacock in the centre of defence. Liddle made a good start to his career at Notts County and was awarded the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for September, continuing to play at centre back, he ensured County remained unbeaten in that month. Liddle made his final and 46th league appearance of the season against Coventry City. It meant he had played every minute of the 2012–13 season, equalling a record last set by County's Pedro Richards 30 years ago. He then won four awards at the clubs' end of season award ceremony. Including; The Manager's Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year,