Craig George Liddle (born 21 October 1971 in Chester-le-Street, County Durham) is an English former professional footballer, who played in central defence. During his playing career, made more than 300 appearances in the Football League, playing four years for Middlesbrough, as well as a seven-year spell at Darlington. He became manager of Middlesbrough's Academy in January 2017, and in December of that year was appointed first-team caretaker manager after Garry Monk's dismissal. Career Liddle began his professional career at Aston Villa in 1990, where he had been a trainee, when he signed his first professional contract. However, the player was released after just one season for failing to impress. Liddle then made the decision to join local team Blyth Spartans, where he spent the next three seasons. In 1994, he signed for First Division club, Middlesbrough, under the management of Bryan Robson. He joined Darlington on loan in February 1998. In 16 games he made a good impression, playing not only in defence, but also as a midfielder. On 1 July 1998, Liddle signed for the club on a permanent basis, thus leaving Middlesbrough after four years. During his time with Darlington, Liddle showed his professional skills as a footballer and was a popular club captain. Rated by fans as one of the best defenders in the Third Division, he attracted interest from other clubs. He was voted Darlington's all-time cult hero by BBC Football Focus viewers with 70% of the vote. His last seasons at the club were marked by injury, as his career took its toll. His 300th appearance for Darlington on 1 May 2004 was marked by a commemorative beer brewed by the Darwen Brewery – Liddle's Best, as well as specially printed T-shirts going on sale. On the announcement on his retirement in May 2005 Liddle was granted a testimonial against his former club Middlesbrough in July 2005. Due to a hoax bomb threat the game had to be abandoned at half time. Coaching career Darlington Liddle worked as a football coach at Darlington College from September 2005 until June 2007. In February 2008, Liddle returned to Darlington as a youth team coach under first team manager Neil Maddison, after Mick Tait left the club. On 8 May 2009, Liddle and Madison became joint caretaker managers, after Brackenbury Clark and Company, the administrators of the club, had released the majority of the first-team squad and the