Hartlepool United Coach Faces Former Club Carlisle United

Gary Liddle looks forward to 'big game' against his old team

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Hartlepool United first-team coach Gary Liddle is anticipating a 'big game' when his current team faces his former club Carlisle United tonight. Liddle played for Carlisle United before joining the coaching staff at Hartlepool United.

Why it matters

This matchup between Hartlepool and Liddle's former club Carlisle United adds an extra layer of intrigue and drama to the game, as Liddle will be looking to get one over on his old team.

The details

Liddle says he expects strong backing from both sets of fans for the match, despite the rivalry between the two clubs. He acknowledged that Hartlepool didn't start the game well, but in the second half they 'really caused them trouble' and were able to secure the three points.

  • The match between Hartlepool United and Carlisle United is taking place tonight.

The players

Gary Liddle

The first-team coach for Hartlepool United, who previously played for their opponent Carlisle United.

Carlisle United

The opponent that Hartlepool United will be facing, Liddle's former club.

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What they’re saying

“We can't start games as we did, but in the second half we really caused them trouble.”

— Gary Liddle, Hartlepool United Coach (Yahoo Daily News)

“It was quite a mixed performance but three points is three points.”

— Gary Liddle, Hartlepool United Coach (Yahoo Daily News)

The takeaway

This matchup between Hartlepool United and Carlisle United, Liddle's former club, adds an extra layer of intrigue and drama to the game as the coach looks to get one over on his old team.