A player who made his Football League debut for Carlisle United has announced his retirement.

Michael Liddle has called time on his playing days at the age of 34.

The former Blues loanee, who played for United in the 2008/09 season, brings his career to an end after a spell with Blyth Spartans.

The left-sided defender's retirement comes some 16 years after his first senior appearance for United in November 2008, when he joined on loan from Sunderland under Greg Abbott.

His debut came in a 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in League One, with Liddle going on to make 23 appearances for the Cumbrians.

He went on to play on loan for Leyton Orient, Gateshead and Accrington Stanley before joining the latter permanently.

Two spells with Blyth then came either side of a stint at Darlington.

Liddle has thanked his final club Blyth after confirming his retirement. Speaking on their website, he said: "When I first joined I was coming out of professional footy and wasn’t really enjoying it.

"I joined a team and club with some absolutely unbelievable people in it and we had an unreal few years where I enjoyed football more than I ever had before. 

“After that, it was a little bit different on the pitch but I’ve honestly enjoyed every minute of it [barring the end of last season].

"I can’t say enough about the fans at this place, the support I’ve had and the banter I’ve shared with the Green Army has meant so much to me. 

“It’s been a pleasure to play for the club, to meet people I can now call mates and it’s a club that will always hold a massive place in my heart. I look forward to getting back to Croft Park as a fan and wish everyone all the best for the future."