Carlisle United's Gary Liddle is looking to put a dent in his former club’s Football League survival bid – despite having “many happy memories” at Hartlepool United.

The 30-year-old played more than 250 matches for the club between 2006-12, before being taken to Notts County by Keith Curle.

The 30-year-old went on to play for Bradford and Chesterfield, prior to linking up with Curle in Cumbria in January, signing an 18-month contract.

“I have family and friends going. It is a nice local game for me – I live in Middlesbrough so it is only 10 minutes from my house,” Liddle said.

“I have many happy memories from my time there.

“They kind of introduced me to men’s football when Danny Wilson took me there from Middlesbrough’s reserves.

“I spent six happy years there and I played a lot of games, including some very important ones.”

One of those happy memories would have been sealing promotion from League Two with the Monkey Hangers, finishing second in the 2006/07 campaign.

But a lot has changed at Hartlepool since the versatile midfielder’s time at the club.

He said: “There are not too many familiar faces, certainly not on the football pitch.”

Liddle will be heading to the Northern Gas and Power Stadium (3pm kick-off) looking to get United’s promotion bid back on track.

The Cumbrians’ recent form has been disappointing and they now sit two points above a host of clubs in the chasing pack for a play-off spot, while Hartlepool are only three points above the relegation zone.

“We have collected seven points out of the last 30 available, which isn’t ideal,” Liddle added.

“But it does show the work that has gone in previous to that.

“It is an important game and for both clubs. Hartlepool will be looking for the points for very different reasons and us likewise.”

Carlisle sold out their ticket allocation of 1,035 well in advance of today’s derby.

Liddle added: “We are taking well over 1,000 fans, which is normal for this game.

“It will be a great atmosphere and a localish derby, which always adds an extra bit, as well.

“It is a game that everyone will want to play in and both teams will be looking for the result, but for very different reasons.”

Striker Shaun Miller will serve the third match of his four-game ban, while midfielder Nicky Adams has been stepping up his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Jason Kennedy and Jabo Ibehre, who both came off the substitutes bench in last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Notts County, will be pushing for respective places in the starting line-up.

Carlisle United chief executive Nigel Clibbens will be speaking at a Carlisle United Official Supporters’ Club meeting next Tuesday.