Ex-Carlisle United man Gary Liddle said he was "really emotional" after helping Hartlepool back into the Football League.

The former Blues defender was part of the Pools side that beat Torquay on penalties after a dramatic National League play-off final.

It saw the 35-year-old, who played 117 games for the Cumbrians from 2017-19, earn a second promotion in Hartlepool colours.

Liddle will return to the EFL to face Carlisle next season and said he was close to tears at the scenes of celebration at Bristol City's Ashton Gate on Sunday.

Speaking to BBC Radio Tees, he said promotion was "something I dreamed about" having returned to the Monkey Hangers the previous year.

"We did it the hard way but we've done it," he said.

"To do it in front of 3,000+ fans, who were absolutely outstanding on the day...I can't believe it."

Pools led through Luke Armstrong before Torquay dramatically equalised through keeper Lucas Covolan in added time to force a 1-1 draw. Pools then won 5-4 on penalties as the shoot-out went to sudden death.

"It was a bit mentally draining, seeing a 93rd-minute equaliser go in by the goalkeeper," Liddle added. "It could have gone either way but it's a brilliant achievement by the lads.

"It's been a long season - almost a year's worth of football - but it's been thoroughly deserved."

The new season will see Carlisle face Pools for the first time since 2017. The league fixtures for 2021/22 are published on Thursday morning.