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

blueoff added 19:18 - Aug 18 Prefer Alldii myself
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jas0999 added 19:59 - Aug 18 So PJ said we didn't need one and then low and behold ... obviously PJ admitting to yet another huge gaff. Also another mate of his and to think Roy was slated for appointing people he knew ... Now Jewell sort out the squad - a job you should have been doing in your previous SEVEN AND A HALF MONTHS at the club.
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Behind_Enemy_Lines added 20:06 - Aug 18 Blueoff Correct Peter alldii had much more experience along with outstanding candidates j sainsbury's and steve morrisons, definitely jobs for the boys. :)
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marcus139 added 20:43 - Aug 18 They obviously read this forum on basis of appointment of fitness coach and other statements today re we are fed up with spin, as i said last night! However, no money spent again today, no defender, nothing tangible. Read this.......most fans like pj a lot and realise he has no money to spend and he is doing his best, trying to pick up the pieces after cleggy lost the spine of team for nowt due to rank mis management. As such, evans sells wickham on back of a pack of lies that we dont need to sell him and we have money available. Leadbitter will go 2, in place pf loanees and free transfers. We are not stupid and our patience will wear out.

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WaltownBlueNaze added 20:59 - Aug 18 This definitely sounds like a job for the boys ! Or does PJ think the players should be fitter ? Edwards and Carson have both been mentioned re. fitness levels. Is JET always this slow etc ?
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Daleyitfc added 21:01 - Aug 18 We don't need any of these fiddle fart-arsing fitness gurus : manager, coach, trainer should be the entire coaching team. 3 salaries, and money saved spent on reducing prices.
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stinkiusminkius added 21:08 - Aug 18 Shut up Jas.
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jas0999 added 21:54 - Aug 18 stinkiusminkius - looks like you are being out voted my friend. More people agreeing with me than you.
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marcus139 added 22:16 - Aug 18 Jas0999 i am not. You are blaming the wrong man. This isnt jewells fault. He saved us from relegation last year, and has not been supported this summer with any money. We should support him. Clegg, evans and keane are to blame, not p.j.
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marcus139 added 22:21 - Aug 18 Daleyitfc is that actually you in your avatar? Im curious thats all...... Wickedblue called me up on a post earlier today as it happens, i also wanted to ask him same thing of him if he is reading........
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runningout added 00:13 - Aug 19 I remember Liddle having a good game against us on a cold miweek night some years ago, at the jjb.... Crap trip back....
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big_gaz67 added 06:26 - Aug 19 Only 38! Can he play centre half, or right back?
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townietilidie added 06:41 - Aug 19 casnovacrow He may not have bags of experience but as the article says he has just finished studying a degree in Elite Sports Performance and also holds a uefa b coaching badge (hardly the credentitals of a plumber). You have to start somewhere to gain your expereince so why not get him onboard . Im sure if the club dont feel that it works out they will get rid in the future . But for now , welcome Andy Liddell

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bobble added 07:14 - Aug 19 trouble is our pies our just to damn tasty we are never going to have a fit squad with the best pies in the league.its an awful burden for the team to wear especially around the waist. if only our pies were tasteless cardboard like every one elses we would be in the champions league.fate has dealt us a cruel hand.
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simonsays added 08:22 - Aug 19 Another Ex-wigan employee. Boooo Jewell out!
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blueherts added 11:19 - Aug 19 Maybe Whelan will put in a bid next ...
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Back_The_Boss added 12:55 - Aug 19 Finally!
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