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Liddell Joins as Fitness Coach
Liddell Joins as Fitness Coach
Thursday, 18th Aug 2011 16:31

Former Wigan midfielder Andy Liddell has joined the Town staff as fitness coach, replacing Antonio Gomez, who left the club during pre-season to return to Spain. Liddell, 38, played under Blues boss Paul Jewell during his time as manager of the Latics.

Jewell said: "I've known Andy for a long time and I'm delighted he has agreed to join us. He will be a valuable addition to the staff here."

Leeds-born Liddell, a former Scotland U21 international, also played for Barnsley, Sheffield United, Bradford Park Avenue, Oldham and Rotherham and was a Millers' coach and then caretaker-manager until the summer when he briefly joined Harrogate Railway Athletic in a player-coach capacity.

When Liddell retired as a Rotherham player a year ago, he said he was looking for a job just like his new position at Town: "I've just finished studying a degree in Elite Sports Performance, which is a bit of everything really, from nutrition and performance to psychology, so hopefully I can use that plus my coaching badges that I've already got.

"I want to get into some sort of coaching or fitness role, but you just need to get that opportunity just like when you start out playing as a youngster."

Liddell, who holds a UEFA B coaching licence, was a member of Jewell's 2002/03 Second Division (now League One) championship-winning side.


Photo: Action Images



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randomblue added 16:37 - Aug 18
Hooray!!!
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CanadianBlue added 16:37 - Aug 18
Welcome to the club. Now get Carson fit again! :)
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roytheboy added 16:37 - Aug 18
That sounds positive at least
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Harry_Palmer added 16:40 - Aug 18
Chicken Salad !
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Wallingford_Boy added 16:40 - Aug 18
I thought Jewell said we didn't need one?
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Magicjim added 16:40 - Aug 18
This is the signing we've been waiting for! Is it the whole supermarket or just the delicatesen?
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Infineteregress added 16:41 - Aug 18
Bit of a U turn given PJs previous comments but a welcome decision none the less.
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casanovacrow added 16:42 - Aug 18
has he got any experience as a fitness coach? Sounds a tad like employing a plumber to do your wiring :-
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Radlett_blue added 16:43 - Aug 18
Has he any experience at centre back?
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UsualSuspect added 16:47 - Aug 18
PJ called that one wrong!

Didn't Edwards mention he wasn't in great shape a while back? then there's Carson as well. Welcome addition.
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Ipswich24 added 16:50 - Aug 18
I think he may well be our third choice keeper and centre back all in one great signing pj
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Buryblueboy added 17:06 - Aug 18
I would be interested to know what his experience is apart from being one of Paul's mates. I know a manager should pick people to work around him who he has confidence in but if this role is to make a difference i hope he truly is the best person out there for the job.
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itfcjc added 17:09 - Aug 18
Get in!!!!
So that thing about not needing a fitness coach eh Paul
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ttry added 17:12 - Aug 18
I mentioned a while back that he wouldn't give Jon Bickers the role cos of his lack of experience.
There appears to be a growing trend of jobs for the boys with Jewell. Im sure Keane was slated for that and he employed far less
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NorseBlue added 17:14 - Aug 18
Excellent signing - good to see PJ admitting he was wrong about the fitness coach. Liddell was as fit as a fiddle when he was a player - over 600 appearances - and was an excellent attacking midfielder, scoring 70 goals for Wigan in his time there. Also, adding a bit of youth to an every greying coaching team at itfc is no bad thing.
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fourth added 17:22 - Aug 18
Such an important job which is extremely technical. Keeping players on the pitch, playing at best fitness levels and staying off the injury list is worth at least an extra player....This is a very demanding job and the new incumbent may have a steep learning curve
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blueherts added 17:33 - Aug 18
Andy Liddle strong as an Ox - He may even get old Jeweller to lose afew pounds

This is the dawning of a new era - Great line MagicJim -
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mickeyjb added 17:49 - Aug 18
I agree does this guy have the qualifications to be a fitness coach. As the chief of the Navy PT school with a Masters in Sports Performance, I'd like to think he does because pro footballers no longer can get away with a quick run and a few press ups. Ok he has a UEFA B licence, so will I when i take my next level. I hope this is not "jobs for the boys"???

However what do I know, I've never been a pro footballer

And yes I'm bitter and twisted cos fitness coach for my beloved ITFC would be my dream job!!!
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taylor15 added 17:56 - Aug 18
MAKE JET RUN!
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townietilidie added 18:07 - Aug 18
Im sure he doesnt have any expeirence as a fitness coach , thats why we have employed him ... Do me a favour u plonkers who question wheather he is qualified . Why would we give someone the job who doesnt know what they are doin . Doughnuts
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mickeyjb added 18:17 - Aug 18
Er yes, when Antonio joined it detailed his fitness credentials such as masters degree etc, not that he had played with the current manager and has a football coaching qualification. So yes I'd like to know what quals he's got other than being a former pro
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pazelle added 18:19 - Aug 18
Another one of his mates...
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HolbrookBlue added 18:36 - Aug 18
Providing he is competent this should fill a gap in the performance levels of the players. Obviously a few are currently below the fitness expected, noticeable last Saturday when we could not step it up towards the end of the game.

Good luck to the new boy.
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ipswich_is_the_best added 19:09 - Aug 18
Jewell had said he wanted a new signing before the Peterborough game
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casanovacrow added 19:13 - Aug 18
townietilidie

"Do me a favour u plonkers who question wheather he is qualified . Why would we give someone the job who doesnt know what they are doin . Doughnuts"

We gave Clegg the job of chief exec and he openly admits he hadn't got a clue how to do the job when he came so had to learn as he was doing things.
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