SPIREITES: Danny Wilson big draw in Chesterfield switch, says Gary Liddle

Gary Liddle, pictured playing for Bradford, has joined Chesterfield

The 29-year-old signed for an undisclosed fee from Bradford City on Monday in a move that saw him reunited with the man who handed him his professional debut in 2006.

Spireites boss Danny Wilson was manager of Hartlepool United when he plucked Liddle from Middlesbrough reserves and made him an integral player in his League Two promotion winning side.

Now, with more than 400 career appearances behind him, Liddle is keen to play his part once more as Wilson’s Chesterfield look to climb up the League One table.

“I have known him for nine or ten years now and he was a big draw for me coming to the club,” said Liddle, who was part of Middlesbrough’s 2004 FA Youth Cup winning side. “I’m sure I’m not alone when I say it but he’s one of the best managers around and when the chance to play for him came along I knew it was right.”

Liddle was one of three new faces to arrive at the Proact Stadium on deadline day, with the additions of young midfielder Connor Dimaio and Burnley defender Tom Anderson.

Chesterfield-born Dimaio, 20, had been on trial with the Spireites following his release from Sheffield United and has signed a contract until the end of the season.

While 6’4” central defender Anderson, 22, has arrived on loan from Turf Moor until the end of the season. He is yet to make his Burnley debut but he has spent time out on loan.

Spireites chief executive Chris Turner said: “I am very pleased with the business we have done before the transfer deadline. We have brought in three players who will strengthen the defensive and midfield areas of the squad.”