Former Carlisle United defender Gary Liddle has joined one of the Blues' League Two rivals.

The versatile 33-year-old made his 600th career appearance while he was with United last season and today joined Walsall.

"I'm thrilled to be here," Liddle told the Saddlers' website.

"Darrell [Clarke, manager] was the first person who called me when I was on holiday and, even though it has taken a little bit longer, I'm glad it’s sorted now.

"I had a few phone calls from different managers but it’s always nice to have a call very early on. It shows their desire and that they want to bring you in.

"Plenty of managers say the right things but you don’t always get a contract offer. Darrell put his cards on the table from the off and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Boss Clarke added: "I know Lids and played with him many moons ago when he was at Hartlepool.

"He’s very experienced for this level and is my fifth and final experienced player that I wanted to bring into the club.

"He can play multiple positions: right side of a centre-half three; central of a centre-half three; and as a sitting, deep-lying midfielder.

"He’s a great passer of the ball, a model pro and we’re really pleased to add him to [Jon] Guthrie, [Stuart] Sinclair, [Mat] Sadler and James Clarke – my five leaders in the group."

Liddle was released by Carlisle in May, having joined the club in 2017 from Chesterfield.

The length of the deal has not been revealed.