Liddell was born in Murton, County Durhamthe youngest of five siblings. Upon marrying Charlotte Anderson he changed his family name from Liddle to Liddell. He played football for Yorkshire Amateur and as an amateur for South Shields, then turned professional when he moved to Birmingham in 1920. He spent the whole twelve years of his professional playing career at the club, for whom he made 345 appearances as wing half or full back in all competitions, and played in the 1931 FA Cup Final. He was described as a powerful defender who read the game well and was positive on the ball.