Hubbry Logo
Craig GardnerCraig GardnerMain
Open search
Craig Gardner
Community hub
Craig Gardner
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Craig Gardner
Craig Gardner
Craig Gardner
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Craig Gardner (born 25 November 1986) is an English professional football coach and former player who made 260 appearances in the Premier League and a further 67 in the Championship. He joined the coaching staff at Birmingham City in January 2021, was appointed technical director in June, and was promoted to director of football in February 2025.

Key Information

A versatile midfielder, Gardner was able to play in many different positions, although he preferred central midfield. He began his career at Aston Villa before spending the 2010–11 season with city rivals Birmingham City, with whom he won the 2011 League Cup. After three seasons with Sunderland, he joined West Bromwich Albion in 2014 before rejoining Birmingham City in 2017. He retired from playing in 2020 to take up a position as first-team coach at the club. He moved on to a similar role at Sheffield Wednesday in November 2020, before leaving a month later when Tony Pulis' contract was terminated and returning to Birmingham.

Internationally, Gardner represented England at under-21 level, and was a member of the team that finished as runners-up on the 2009 European Championships.

Club career

[edit]

Aston Villa

[edit]
Gardner playing for Aston Villa in 2008

Gardner came through Aston Villa's youth system[4] and turned professional on 31 January 2005. He made his Premier League debut on 26 December 2005, when he came on as a substitute for Steven Davis against Everton at Villa Park. He scored his first professional goal for Villa in the 3–1 away win on 14 April against Middlesbrough.[5] He also netted a contender for goal of the month on the last day of the season away to Bolton Wanderers.[6] After a series of appearances Villa manager Martin O'Neill entered contract talks with Gardner.[7]

In August 2007, Gardner signed a new four-year deal, which ran until June 2011. On 1 October 2007 he scored twice in two games with two free kicks. First he scored away to Tottenham Hotspur in a 4–4 draw[8] and then the winner against West Ham United five days later with a deflected attempt.[9]

On 1 December 2007, Gardner scored the opener in a home match against Arsenal. Villa went on to lose the match 2–1.[10] Gardner has often played in the right-back slot, and impressed both O'Neill and his captain, Gareth Barry, who said that Gardner could be a key player for years to come.[11]

Gardner made just one appearance for Villa in the 2009–10 season because of a groin injury. On 4 January 2010 it was announced that Birmingham City were preparing a £3.5 million bid. However it was revealed that Aston Villa had turned down the bid for the player. However, the club later offered a second deal including add-ons that was accepted by Aston Villa. He made exactly 80 appearances for Villa in all competitions.

Birmingham City

[edit]

Gardner signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Birmingham City on 26 January 2010 for a fee reported as £3m plus £500,000 in add-ons.[12] He made his debut on 7 February as a 68th-minute substitute, and set up the first of Kevin Phillips' goals as Birmingham came back to beat Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–1.[13] He scored his first goal for the club against Everton on 13 March.[14] Towards the end of the season Gardner was preferred to Sebastian Larsson on the right of midfield.[15] Restored to his favoured central position, he scored twice in the first home game of the 2010–11 season as Birmingham came from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers 2–1,[16] and scored again in the next game away at Bolton Wanderers.[17] Gardner's winning goal in extra time against West Ham United took Birmingham City through to the 2011 Football League Cup Final,[18] and he was in the starting eleven as Birmingham won their first major trophy since 1963.[19] He was the team's top scorer in the 2010–11 season with eight League goals, ten in all competitions,[20] as Birmingham were relegated to the Championship.

Sunderland

[edit]
Gardner (right) and Lee Cattermole playing for Sunderland in a pre-season friendly against York City

Gardner signed a three-year deal with Sunderland for an undisclosed fee, believed by BBC Sport to be about £6 million, on 30 June 2011.[21] Gardner made his debut as a substitute in the home defeat to Newcastle United on 20 August,[22] and scored his first competitive goal on 18 September 2011 with a deflected shot that looped over goalkeeper Asmir Begović as Sunderland beat Stoke City 4–0 at home to secure their first win of the season.[23] Gardner fell out of favour at Sunderland, and was linked with a departure in the January transfer window. However, he was re-united with former boss O'Neill when he replaced Steve Bruce as Sunderland manager in December 2011, and this prompted a change in fortune for Gardner and the Black Cats. Gardner was deployed at right back against Manchester City on New Year's Day 2012 due to an injury crisis, and helped Sunderland to a shock 1–0 win against the league leaders. Two days later Gardner, again playing at right back, scored his second goal for Sunderland, direct from a free kick 30 yards away from goal in their 4–1 away win at Wigan. Gardner was rumoured to be homesick at Sunderland in the press, and was linked with a move back to the Midlands. Sunderland rejected a loan bid for Gardner from former club Birmingham City on 19 January. Gardner scored a stunning volley from 25 yards late on in Sunderland's 2–0 win over Swansea City on 21 January.[24]

Gardner remained at Sunderland for the 2012–13 season, dismissing rumours that he was unsettled on Wearside. He was deployed as a right-back by O'Neill for much of the season. His first goal of the season came from a direct free kick against MK Dons in a 2–0 League Cup victory on 25 September. Gardner scored again from a free kick in a 2–4 home defeat against West Bromwich Albion, and scored a consolation goal in a 2–1 loss at Norwich City in December. On 5 January, Gardner scored a late equaliser in their FA Cup third round tie away at Bolton Wanderers with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, earning Sunderland a replay. He scored a penalty as Sunderland lost 2–1 at Reading in January. In March, Gardner conceded a penalty by bringing down Ashkan Dejagah in the box, but made amends by scoring another penalty to help Sunderland draw 2–2. Gardner scored yet another penalty as Sunderland drew at home to Norwich later that month, bringing his tally for the season to eight. Despite Gardner's goals, Sunderland were on a run of eight games without a win, and following a home defeat to Manchester United, O'Neill was sacked and replaced by Paolo Di Canio. Gardner started Di Canio's first game in charge, a 2–1 loss at Chelsea, and picked up his tenth yellow card of the season. As a result, Gardner missed the Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle through suspension. However, Di Canio allowed Gardner to travel to the game with Sunderland supporters and watch the game with the fans in the away end. Gardner was seen singing with Sunderland fans on the Metro journey to Tyneside, and celebrating as Sunderland beat their rivals 3–0. Gardner returned to the team following his suspension, but against Stoke was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Charlie Adam, ending his season prematurely.

Gardner scored his first goal of the 2013–14 season from the penalty spot in a 3–1 home defeat to Arsenal. He also opened the scoring against Manchester United a few weeks later, although Sunderland went on to lose 2–1. Gardner scored the only goal of the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Southampton when he "unleashed a 20-yard shot which arced imperiously before brushing the underside of the bar as it dipped en route to the top corner".[25]

West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

On 20 May 2014, Gardner signed a three-year deal with West Bromwich Albion, to begin when his Sunderland contract expired at the end of the 2013–14 season.[26] He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 victory against his former club Aston Villa.[27]

Return to Birmingham City

[edit]

On 11 January 2017, Gardner returned to Birmingham City on loan until the end of the season, after which the transfer would become a three-year permanent deal with an option for a fourth year. The fee was undisclosed, but the Birmingham Mail believed it to be in excess of £1 million.[28] The deal was made permanent on 11 May 2017.[29] He was appointed player-coach in November 2019, with the intention of becoming first-team coach on a permanent basis on 1 July 2020 after his playing contract expired.[30] He finished his second spell with Birmingham with 73 appearances in all competitions, and over a 15-year playing career made 327 league appearances, of which 260 were in the Premier League.[31]

International career

[edit]

Gardner was a member of the England under-21 team that played at the 2009 European Championships. He appeared in two group matches and was a second-half substitute in the final, which England lost 4–0 to Germany.[32]

After playing

[edit]

Gardner had acted as Birmingham City's player-coach during the 2019–20 season under Pep Clotet's management, and took up a permanent position as first-team coach on 1 July.[30] The club had announced that Clotet would leave at the end of the season, which had been extended because of the coronavirus pandemic, but after a series of poor results, he left on 8 July. Gardner and Steve Spooner finished the season in joint charge, presiding over a draw and three defeats as Birmingham avoided relegation on the final day of the season.[33]

Gardner initially remained in post after new head coach Aitor Karanka brought in his own staff, but left the club in November to join the coaching staff at Sheffield Wednesday under newly appointed manager Tony Pulis, with whom he had worked at West Bromwich Albion.[34] His spell lasted just over a month, as he left the club when Pulis was sacked on 28 December 2020.[35] He returned to Birmingham's coaching staff in early January 2021,[36] and was appointed technical director in June.[37] After the club was taken over in July 2023, the new chairman expressed the owners' gratitude to Gardner, "without [whose] help we would never have completed this transaction. He deserves an enormous amount of credit in helping to shepherd the transaction over the finish line."[38] In February 2025, Gardner was promoted to director of football.[39]

Personal life

[edit]

Gardner was born in Solihull[2] and raised in the Yardley district of Birmingham, where he attended Cockshut Hill School. After transferring to Birmingham City in 2010, he said he was a lifelong Birmingham City supporter.[12][4][40][41] His younger brother Gary Gardner also played for England at youth level and turned professional with Aston Villa.[42][43] In June 2012, Gardner donated £500 to the family of a disabled toddler after a chance meeting in a department store; this was only revealed after the Stoke-on-Trent family told a local newspaper.[44]

Career statistics

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Aston Villa 2005–06[45] Premier League 8 0 1 0 0 0 — 9 0
2006–07[46] Premier League 13 2 0 0 0 0 — 13 2
2007–08[47] Premier League 23 3 1 0 1 0 — 25 3
2008–09[48] Premier League 14 0 4 0 1 0 11[a] 1 30 1
2009–10[49] Premier League 1 0 0 0 1 0 1[b] 0 3 0
Total 59 5 6 0 3 0 12 1 80 6
Birmingham City 2009–10[49] Premier League 13 1 2 0 — — 15 1
2010–11[50] Premier League 29 8 2 0 6 2 — 37 10
Total 42 9 4 0 6 2 — 52 11
Sunderland 2011–12[51] Premier League 30 3 6 0 1 0 — 37 3
2012–13[52] Premier League 33 6 2 1 2 1 — 37 8
2013–14[53] Premier League 18 2 3 1 5 0 — 26 3
Total 81 11 11 2 8 1 — 100 14
West Bromwich Albion 2014–15[54] Premier League 35 3 3 0 0 0 — 38 3
2015–16[55] Premier League 34 3 3 0 1 0 — 38 3
2016–17[56] Premier League 9 0 0 0 0 0 — 9 0
Total 78 6 6 0 1 0 — 85 6
West Bromwich Albion U23 2016–17[56] — — — 1[c] 0 1 0
Birmingham City (loan) 2016–17[56] Championship 20 2 — — — 20 2
Birmingham City 2017–18[57] Championship 26 2 3 0 1 0 — 30 2
2018–19[58] Championship 21 1 1 0 0 0 — 22 1
2019–20[31] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 1 0
Total 67 5 4 0 2 0 — 73 5
Career total 327 36 31 2 20 3 13 1 391 42
  1. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup, nine appearances and one goal in UEFA Cup
  2. ^ Appearance in UEFA Cup
  3. ^ Appearance in EFL Trophy

Honours

[edit]

Birmingham City

Sunderland

England U21

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Craig Gardner

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Craig Gardner (born 25 November 1986) is an English former professional footballer and current director of football at Birmingham City Football Club. He primarily played as a central , known for his versatility, work rate, and set-piece ability, during a career that spanned 2005 to 2020 and included 260 appearances in the with 31 goals and 14 assists. A lifelong Birmingham City supporter from , Gardner began his professional journey at local rivals Aston Villa before achieving his most notable success with Birmingham, where he won the 2011 —scoring the extra-time winner in the semi-final against West Ham United to secure their place in the final, which they won 2–1 against . Gardner's club career was marked by stints at several prominent English teams, reflecting his adaptability in the competitive landscape of the and Championship. He made his professional debut for Aston Villa in December 2005, progressing through their youth system and accumulating 58 first-team appearances before a loan move to Birmingham City in 2010, which became permanent that summer for a reported £3.5 million transfer fee. After helping Birmingham to their historic triumph in 2011, he transferred to for £5 million in July 2011, where he played 100 matches over three seasons, contributing to their run despite a 3–2 loss to Manchester City. In 2014, Gardner joined West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer, making 85 appearances and scoring six goals before returning to Birmingham City in 2017, where he concluded his playing days in 2020 after 73 more outings. Internationally, he earned 14 caps (scoring 2 goals) for the under-21 team, including appearing in the where were runners-up, but never broke into the senior squad. Transitioning seamlessly into coaching and administration, Gardner joined Birmingham City's staff in 2019 as a first-team coach while still playing, then became in June 2021, overseeing recruitment and academy development. On 13 February 2025, he was promoted to director of football, expanding his responsibilities to encompass both the men's first team and academy operations, drawing on his extensive playing experience and deep club knowledge to guide the team's strategy amid their push for promotion from the . Standing at 1.76 meters and right-footed, Gardner's career totals include 394 professional appearances, underscoring his reliability and impact across England's top divisions.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Craig Gardner was born on 25 November 1986 in , West Midlands, . He grew up in the Birmingham area during his childhood, developing a strong passion for football from an early age amid a family environment that supported the sport. Raised in a footballing household, Gardner attended Cockshut Hill School in Birmingham, where his interest in the game deepened. He was a dedicated fan of Birmingham City during his youth, an allegiance shared with his family, despite the irony of later beginning his professional path with their local rivals, Aston Villa. This boyhood support for the highlighted his deep roots in the city's football culture. Gardner's family included his younger brother, , who also pursued a career as a professional footballer, following a similar trajectory through youth academies. The brothers' shared enthusiasm for the sport underscored the influence of their Birmingham upbringing on their lifelong dedication to football, paving the way for Craig's entry into organized youth training.

Youth career

Gardner entered organized youth football at the age of 14, joining local club Arden Forest in Sheldon, Birmingham, for one season. There, his performances caught the attention of scouts from both Birmingham City and Aston Villa, leading him to join Aston Villa's youth academy instead. Despite being a childhood supporter of Birmingham City, Gardner committed to Villa's system, where he began developing as a versatile midfielder. He progressed steadily through Aston Villa's youth ranks, featuring in academy and reserve matches that honed his defensive and attacking skills. In January 2005, at the age of 18, Gardner turned professional by signing his first contract with the club. This milestone marked the culmination of his early development, providing his initial exposure to senior-level training environments within the organization.

Professional playing career

Aston Villa

Gardner progressed through Aston Villa's youth academy before signing his first professional contract with the club on 31 January 2005. He made his senior debut later that year on 26 December 2005, coming on as a substitute for in the 72nd minute during a 4–0 home win against Everton. Over the following seasons, Gardner developed into a versatile and dependable , capable of playing in central or defensive roles, and became a regular squad member under managers and . He made 59 appearances in the , scoring five goals, including notable strikes against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. In 2008, Gardner contributed to Villa's success with two appearances across the third-round ties against OB , helping the team qualify for the Cup group stage the following season, where he featured in nine matches. Overall, he recorded 79 appearances and six goals in all competitions during his time at Villa, often providing energy and tenacity in midfield while also featuring for the reserve side to maintain fitness. By the 2009–10 season, with limited starts under O'Neill, Gardner sought greater opportunities elsewhere, leading to his permanent transfer to local rivals Birmingham City on 26 January 2010 for a fee of £3 million.

First spell at Birmingham City

In January 2010, Craig Gardner transferred from Aston Villa to Birmingham City, his boyhood club, for a fee of £3 million on a four-and-a-half-year contract. The move was controversial due to the intense rivalry, with some Birmingham fans initially skeptical of a former Villa academy product crossing the divide. However, Gardner quickly adapted, earning supporters' approval through committed displays and openly expressing his lifelong allegiance to the Blues, which helped him integrate into the squad under manager . Gardner played a pivotal role in Birmingham's successful 2010–11 Football League Cup campaign, their first major trophy win in 48 years. He scored crucial goals, including the 94th-minute extra-time winner in the second leg of the semi-final against West Ham United on 26 January 2011, securing a 3–1 aggregate victory and a place in the final. In the final at on 27 February 2011, Gardner started in central midfield as Birmingham defeated 2–1, with scoring the decisive goal in the 89th minute; Gardner's energetic performance contributed to the team's defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat. During the 2010–11 Premier League season, Gardner emerged as a key midfielder, scoring seven league goals to become Birmingham's top scorer overall with ten across all competitions. His contributions were vital in the relegation battle, providing goals and tenacity in midfield amid a challenging campaign that saw the team finish 18th. In the decisive final match against Tottenham Hotspur on 22 May 2011, Gardner equalized in the 79th minute to make it 1–1, briefly easing relegation fears, but late goals from secured a 2–1 defeat and confirmed Birmingham's drop to the on . Following relegation, Gardner departed Birmingham for Sunderland on 30 June 2011 in a £6 million transfer, signing a three-year deal to remain in the Premier League.

Sunderland

Craig Gardner joined Sunderland on 30 June 2011, signing a three-year contract from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £6 million. The 24-year-old midfielder was brought in to provide tenacity and goal threat in central midfield, having been Birmingham's top scorer with 10 goals the previous season, including in their League Cup triumph. Gardner expressed enthusiasm for the move, describing it as a "no-brainer" and aiming to help Sunderland push for European qualification. In his debut season (2011–12), Gardner quickly established himself as a key anchor in midfield under managers and later , making 30 appearances and scoring three goals as finished 13th, comfortably avoiding relegation. His physical presence and set-piece ability contributed to the team's stability, though he received six yellow cards and one red card during the campaign. The 2012–13 season saw Gardner at his most productive, starting 32 of 33 matches and netting six goals—many from penalties—including a crucial strike in a 1–0 win over Reading that aided Sunderland's survival push, as they ended 16th. However, disciplinary challenges persisted, with 10 yellow cards and another red card for a dangerous tackle on Stoke City's in May 2013, which drew criticism but did not derail the team's late rally under O'Neill. Gardner's third and final season (2013–14) was hampered by managerial changes, including the brief tenures of and , resulting in only 18 Premier League appearances and two goals, with reduced starting opportunities as again secured mid-table safety in 14th place. He also featured in the 2014 run to the final, though lost 3–2 to Manchester City after extra time. Over his three years at the club, he amassed 81 outings, 11 goals, and four assists, embodying a combative presence amid the Black Cats' consistent battle against the drop. His contract expired at the end of the season, leading to a free transfer departure to West Bromwich Albion in July 2014.

West Bromwich Albion

Gardner joined West Bromwich Albion on a Bosman transfer from on 1 July 2014, signing a three-year contract after passing a medical. In his debut season, Gardner quickly became a key figure in midfield alongside , forming a solid partnership that contributed to the team's mid-table security. He made 35 appearances, starting 30, and scored three goals, including a stunning volley in a 2–2 draw against Leicester City that earned him West Brom's Goal of the Season award. Drawing on his prior experience in a comparable mid-table role at Sunderland, Gardner's tenacity and set-piece ability helped the Baggies finish 13th, five points clear of relegation. The following 2015–16 campaign saw Gardner maintain his involvement, featuring in 34 league matches—though 14 as a substitute—and adding three goals and three assists to his tally. His versatility allowed him to adapt to Tony Pulis's defensive setup, but his starts decreased as competition in midfield intensified. By the 2016–17 season, Gardner's playing time dwindled to just nine appearances amid falling out of favour under Pulis, with only 213 minutes logged before his departure. On 11 January 2017, he joined Birmingham City on loan for the remainder of the season, with an agreement in place for a permanent transfer that summer for an undisclosed fee, effectively ending his West Brom tenure.

Second spell at Birmingham City

In January 2017, Gardner rejoined Birmingham City on a season-long from West Bromwich Albion, with an agreement in place for the move to become permanent at the end of the campaign. The transfer was finalized on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee in May 2017, allowing him to settle back at the club he supported as a boy and where he had previously won the 2011 . During this second spell, Gardner became a mainstay in midfield, providing experience and tenacity in the as Birmingham navigated several tight relegation battles. Gardner featured in 73 matches across all competitions during his second stint, scoring five goals and contributing to the team's survival efforts in the second tier. In the 2017–18 season, amid a nine-point deduction for financial breaches that intensified their relegation scrap, he played a pivotal role, including scoring from the penalty spot in a 3–2 defeat to Cardiff City in March 2018. His as a senior player was evident in high-pressure situations, helping Birmingham secure status on the final day of that season and in subsequent years under managers like and . By the end of his playing career, Gardner had amassed over 100 appearances for Birmingham across both spells. In November 2019, Gardner transitioned into a player-coach role under head coach , balancing limited on-pitch duties—hampered by injuries—with coaching responsibilities as the club aimed to stabilize amid managerial changes. He made 14 appearances that season before announcing his retirement at the conclusion of the 2019–20 campaign, allowing him to focus fully on his coaching pathway while contributing to an interim management team that oversaw the final matches and confirmed another season of survival.

International career

Youth international career

Craig Gardner earned his first call-up to the under-21 squad in 2007, making his debut in a 1–1 friendly draw against on 21 August, where he played 45 minutes. Over the next two years, he accumulated 14 caps for the under-21s, scoring two goals, both in friendly matches: one in a 2–0 win over the on 18 November 2008 and another in a 7–0 victory against on 8 2009. His appearances spanned friendlies and competitive fixtures, showcasing his versatility as a central and occasional right-back. During the qualification campaign for the , Gardner was a regular selection under manager , featuring in four of England's Group 3 matches as they topped the group to secure qualification. He started all four outings, including 90-minute performances in the 3–0 away win over on 7 September 2007, the 2–0 home victory against on 16 November 2007, the 1–1 draw in on 20 November 2007, and the 3–0 home win versus the on 5 February 2008. These consistent displays, bolstered by his emerging form at Aston Villa, contributed to England's successful qualification without a loss in the group. Gardner played a key role in the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship held in Sweden, where England reached the final as runners-up to Germany. Included in the 23-man squad announced in May 2009, he had 11 caps and two goals at that point. In the group stage, he substituted in for six minutes during the 2–0 win over Spain on 18 June before delivering a standout performance with 90 minutes and an assist in the 1–1 draw against Germany on 22 June, earning praise for leading a heavily rotated side to progression. He remained an unused substitute in the semi-final penalty shoot-out victory over Sweden on 26 June but came on for 10 minutes as a right-back in the final, a 4–0 defeat to Germany on 29 June.

Senior international career

Despite his achievements at the under-21 level, including appearing in group stage matches for at the where the team finished as runners-up, Craig Gardner never received a senior cap for the England national team. Gardner's consistent performances in the , notably during the 2010–11 season with Birmingham City where he scored eight goals in 29 appearances, led to occasional speculation about his potential inclusion in the senior squad around 2010–2011. However, no call-up ever materialized. Following his £6 million transfer to in June 2011, Gardner voiced his ambition for an place, stating, "I really want to play for this year, and if you're doing well as a club you've got more chance of getting in the team." Despite this hope, international opportunities did not arise, and Gardner remained focused on his club commitments throughout the rest of his playing career.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from playing at the end of the 2019–20 season, where he had served as a player-coach under head coach Pep Clotet, Craig Gardner transitioned to a full-time first-team coach role at Birmingham City in June 2020. In this capacity, Gardner contributed to training sessions and match preparation, leveraging his experience as a former club captain to support team dynamics. Gardner's coaching tenure included a brief departure in November 2020 to join Sheffield Wednesday's staff under , but he returned to Birmingham City in January 2021 as assistant manager. He was promoted to assistant head coach in March 2021 under , having previously assisted earlier that season. Gardner continued in similar roles through subsequent managerial changes, including under from October 2022, focusing on tactical implementation and player development during a period of squad stabilization in the . Throughout his coaching spell, Gardner played a key role in development and integration, notably aiding the incorporation of young talents into first-team activities, as highlighted by Clotet's praise for his contributions to bridging the gap between and senior squads. This involvement extended to mentoring emerging players during and matches, emphasizing tactical awareness and physical conditioning tailored to younger athletes. By mid-2021, Gardner shifted from pure duties to a hybrid role as in , overseeing broader football operations while maintaining input on strategies, marking his departure from hands-on first-team . This transition continued evolving through 2023, with increasing emphasis on strategic oversight amid ongoing club restructuring.

Administrative roles

Following his transition from playing to full-time coaching at Birmingham City in June 2020, Gardner was appointed on 24 June 2021, tasked with leading the football department, including oversight of recruitment, squad development, and performance strategies. On 13 February 2025, Gardner was promoted to Director of Football, expanding his remit to oversee both the men's first team and the while reporting to the board. In this role, he focuses on recruitment processes, fostering a world-class club culture through innovative operational methods, and strengthening connections between the and senior setup, all in alignment with the ownership group Knighthead Capital's vision. Gardner's administrative efforts emphasize long-term sustainability, as he articulated in a May 2025 interview, stating that Birmingham City's ambitions under Knighthead involve building an organic, self-sustaining model centered on development to produce homegrown talent and reduce reliance on heavy external spending. He highlighted the goal of regaining Category One status—achieved in May 2025—and investing in young prospects to create valuable assets that align with the club's identity, ultimately aiming for competitiveness without financial overextension. In October 2025, amid Birmingham City's struggles in the early stages of the 2025–26 season, Gardner faced criticism over recruitment decisions, with fans and pundits questioning the squad's form despite the long-term strategy.

Personal life

Family

Craig Gardner is married to Alexis Gardner. The couple has two daughters: Evie, born in 2011, and Luna. Gardner has a younger brother, , who is also a professional footballer; six years his junior, Gary rose through the Aston Villa academy and played for clubs including Birmingham City and . The brothers share a close bond, speaking daily and drawing mutual support from their shared football backgrounds in a family of six brothers raised in the Birmingham area. During Gardner's career moves, particularly his 2011 transfer to , his family provided significant emotional support amid his homesickness for the ; he later expressed relief at returning closer to home with West Bromwich Albion in 2014 and Birmingham City in 2017.

Philanthropy and other activities

Craig Gardner has served as a football ambassador for Saving Lives UK, a charity focused on education and awareness among young people. In 2014, while playing for Sunderland, he collaborated with teammate Steven Fletcher to produce awareness videos for the organization, emphasizing the importance of education in reducing transmission. Gardner stated that supporting the campaign was driven by his belief in raising awareness to help youth. Gardner has actively participated in community initiatives in Birmingham, particularly those benefiting local children. In December 2024, he joined the Blue Nose Day Sleepout event organized by the Birmingham City FC Foundation, sleeping overnight at the club's stadium to raise funds for disadvantaged youth programs in the area. This involvement highlighted his commitment to local causes, with the event drawing participation from club staff and supporters to support community welfare. In 2015, Gardner faced controversy over renovations to his £600,000 detached home in Fillongley, . Neighbors accused him of destroying their privacy by felling mature trees that had previously screened properties from view, as part of constructing a larger extension. The dispute arose amid his high-earning career, earning approximately £20,000 per week at the time, though no formal legal resolution was publicly reported. Following his retirement from playing in 2020, Gardner has expressed a preference for supportive roles in football administration over head coaching ambitions.

Career statistics and honours

Club statistics

Craig Gardner's club career encompassed 394 appearances and 46 goals across all domestic and European competitions. In the , he recorded 260 appearances, 31 goals, and 14 assists. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by club:
ClubPeriodAppearancesGoals
Aston Villa2005–2010796
Birmingham City (1st spell)2010–2011509
Sunderland2011–201410014
West Bromwich Albion2014–2017856
Birmingham City (2nd spell)2017–20208011
Total39446
Gardner also featured in domestic cup competitions, including the and , as well as European fixtures such as the UEFA Cup with Aston Villa (9 appearances, 1 goal) and the with Birmingham City during their 2011–12 campaign (4 appearances, 0 goals).

Honours

During his professional playing career, Craig Gardner won the with Birmingham City, where he played a key role, including scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against West Ham United. He also contributed to Aston Villa's victory in the , making two appearances during their successful campaign. Gardner reached the 2013–14 Football League Cup final with Sunderland, though they lost 3–1 to Manchester City. Gardner did not receive any individual awards during his career. Following the 2011 League Cup triumph, he won no further major honours.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/craig-gardner/profil/spieler/37171
  2. https://www.bcfc.com/pages/en/media-article/craig-gardner-appointed-birmingham-city-director-of-football
  3. https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/28468/craig-gardner/overview
  4. https://fbref.com/en/players/1117b9ff/Craig-Gardner
  5. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/73339/craig-gardner
  6. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/jan/26/birmingham-west-ham-carling-cup
  7. https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe2314/craig-gardner/
  8. https://www.transfermarkt.us/craig-gardner/leistungsdaten/spieler/37171
  9. https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/25075/craig-gardner
  10. https://www.transfermarkt.us/craig-gardner/nationalmannschaft/spieler/37171
  11. https://www.transfermarkt.us/england-u21/startseite/verein/9563/saison_id/2008
  12. https://www.transfermarkt.us/craig-gardner/profil/trainer/85744
  13. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c4g91r8v293o
  14. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/craig-gardner-remembers-his-roots-at-arden-236068
  15. https://www.thefa.com/news/2015/jan/23/birmingham-wba-craig-gardner-240115
  16. https://www.si.com/soccer/sunderland/news/played-for-both-the-nomadic-career-of-occasional-worldie-specialist-craig-gardner
  17. https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2022/01/11/families-in-football-craig-and-gary-gardner/
  18. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jan/22/craig-gardner-aston-villa-birmingham-city
  19. https://www.avfchistory.co.uk/game/4868
  20. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/aston-villa/craig-gardner-5714/premiership-appearances_a14672/
  21. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/7513632.stm
  22. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/8481393.stm
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jan/26/craig-gardner-birmingham-transfer
  24. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/195150/Craig-Gardner-grows-into-Birmingham-role
  25. https://www.squawka.com/en/cult-corner/2011-league-cup-birmingham-city-team-that-beat-arsenal-where-now/
  26. https://fbref.com/en/squads/ec79b7c2/2010-2011/Birmingham-City-Stats
  27. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/22/tottenham-hotspur-birmingham-city-premier-league
  28. https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/gardner-deal-to-be-done-in-24-hours/26746790.html
  29. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13941223
  30. https://fbref.com/en/players/1117b9ff/matchlogs/2011-2012/summary/Craig-Gardner-Match-Logs
  31. https://fbref.com/en/players/1117b9ff/matchlogs/2012-2013/summary/Craig-Gardner-Match-Logs
  32. https://news.sky.com/story/10-man-sunderland-claim-vital-point-10446576
  33. https://fbref.com/en/players/1117b9ff/matchlogs/2013-2014/summary/Craig-Gardner-Match-Logs
  34. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/craig-gardner-stats-with-sunderland
  35. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37361682/west-brom-snap-craig-gardner-sunderland-bosman-free
  36. https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2014/may/gardner-joins-albion
  37. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35315505
  38. https://www.transfermarkt.com/craig-gardner/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/37171/saison/2014/wettbewerb/GB1
  39. https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2017/january/gardner-completes-birmingham-move
  40. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38587004
  41. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39888475
  42. https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2020/05/30/craig-gardner-to-continue-in-a-coaching-capacity-at-birmingham-city/
  43. https://www.espn.co.uk/football/report/_/gameId/483257
  44. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54965896
  45. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50559480
  46. https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de9642e035b-71e75eacc2b7-1000--germany-join-england-in-last-four/
  47. https://www.uefa.com/under21/match/2001198--germany-vs-england/lineups/
  48. https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de7b42878cf-fb8927064ba1-1000--gardner-plants-seeds-for-england-success/
  49. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/14146354
  50. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55581446
  51. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57604771
  52. https://archive.trainingground.guru/articles/birmingham-city-academy-set-to-be-downgraded-to-category-two
  53. https://www.uknewsgroup.co.uk/craig-gardner-appointed-technical-director/
  54. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-announce-craig-gardner-31000415
  55. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/craig-gardner-outlines-true-scale-31586922
  56. https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/reaction-given-to-craig-gardner-doubts-at-birmingham-city/
  57. https://www.the-independent.com/sport/football/premier-league/one-of-the-good-guys-craig-gardner-cultivates-game-s-better-image-8163765.html
  58. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/sunderland-craig-gardner-still-misses-3310753
  59. https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2012/04/20/family-pride-at-stake-as-gardners-go-head-to-head/
  60. https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/off-the-pitch/sunderland/news/sunderland-duo-support-hiv-charity_120155.html
  61. https://bcfc.com/pages/en/media-article/chris-davies-and-staff-to-join-blue-nose-day-sleepout
  62. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3300566/20-000-week-Premier-League-footballer-accused-destroying-neighbours-privacy-building-huge-new-home-ripping-trees-hid-it.html
  63. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/craig-gardner/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/37171/saison/2008/wettbewerb/UI/verein/405
  64. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/246944
  65. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/craig-gardner/erfolge/spieler/37171
  66. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/387206/sunderland-manchester-city
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.