GARY Liddle has returned to Hartlepool United, signing on loan until the end of January.

Liddle left Pools in 2012, after making 284 appearances in a six-year spell. He signed for Walsall at the start of the season after leaving Carlisle, but has been allowed to return to the North-East.

He is training with Pools this morning and is likely to play at centre-half in Saturday’s home game with Dagenham and Redbridge.

Boss Dave Challinor said: “I won’t being people in for the sake of it, we have to make the group stronger.

“Players need competition to perform and improve.

“Looking at how we have conceded goals at the back end of games especially, we lack a bit of nous and leadership.

“What is available and suitable is difficult. He moved to Walsall and played the majority of the games this season. He’s played in midfield and he’s a centre-back too.

“He is one that will add to what we have got – experienced,  with 600 games and will be important. He knows the club, the expectations and requirements of the fan base. He knows what we want to try and do and will be a really good fit for us.

“His family are still here, he’s been travelling to Walsall and it’s a good fit.’’