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Gary Gardner
Gary Gardner
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Gary Gardner (born 29 June 1992) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder and was last at EFL League One side Cambridge United.

Key Information

A product of the Aston Villa Academy, Gardner made his senior debut while on loan at Coventry City. He first played competitively for Aston Villa in late 2011, and went on to spend time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Birmingham City, before joining Birmingham on a permanent contract in 2019. He was released at the end of the 2023–24 season and subsequently joined Cambridge United.

He has made a number of appearances at under-age levels for England, including five for England U21. He is the younger brother of Birmingham City technical director Craig Gardner.

Club career

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Aston Villa

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Youth career

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Gardner started his career at Aston Villa with older brother Craig. His development was interrupted by an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in December 2009. On his return, he became an important member of Aston Villa's under-18 and reserve sides.[4]

Gardner scored twice in Aston Villa reserves' 10–1 win over Arsenal on 10 January 2011, firstly catching out Gunners' goalkeeper James Shea to break the deadlock before scoring another from the penalty spot. He also claimed assists for Andreas Weimann's and Jonathan Hogg's goals.[5] The midfielder first played for Aston Villa's first team in a pre-season friendly, coming on as a substitute for captain Stiliyan Petrov in the 2011 Barclays Asia Trophy final loss to Chelsea.[6]

He also represented Aston Villa in the inaugural season of the NextGen Series, a European competition for younger footballers similar in format to the UEFA Champions League. During the group stage, Gardner scored single goals against Fenerbahçe[7] and Rosenborg.[8] In Villa's last group match, Gardner scored all three goals in a 3–0 victory over Ajax.[9] He scored a last-minute equaliser in the quarter-final match against Marseille, but Villa went on to lose the tie 2–1 in extra time.[10] Gardner's six goals left him one short of the competition's joint-highest goalscorers, Jean Marie Dongou of Barcelona and Viktor Fischer of Ajax, with seven.[11]

Senior debut

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Gardner joined Coventry City in later November 2011 on a month's loan.[12] He scored just 9 minutes into his début in a 2–1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on 26 November.[13] After making four appearances for the Sky Blues in the Championship in his first 28 days, Gardner was recalled by his parent club who were suffering injury problems.[14]

On 31 December, Gardner made his first senior appearance for Villa in a 3–1 away win at Chelsea, as a 78th-minute substitute for Marc Albrighton.[15] He came off the bench again a week later as Villa beat Bristol Rovers in the third round of the FA Cup, and made his first start on 21 January 2012, in a 3–2 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.[16][17]

Gardner with Aston Villa in 2012

Gardner suffered another ACL injury in August 2012, this time in his right knee.[18] He returned to the Villa first team as an unused substitute against Chelsea on 11 May 2013 and made his playing comeback on the final day of the season against Wigan Athletic.[19][20]

Loan spells

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He made four starts for Sheffield Wednesday during a month's loan in February and March 2014,[21][22] and signed a two-year contract with Villa at the end of the season.[23]

Over the course of those two years, Gardner made no further appearances for Villa but spent three spells out on loan at Championship level. He played 20 matches in all competitions for Brighton & Hove Albion in the first half of the 2014–15 season and scored twice, a winner against Wigan Athletic in early November that broke a 12-match winless run and took Albion out of the relegation places, and a goal in a 1–1 draw with Blackburn Rovers a few days later.[24][25] Gardner spent the second half of the season at Nottingham Forest, scoring 4 goals from 18 league appearances; he "thundered home a 30-yard drive via the bar" against Reading in February that was voted Sky Sports News' #goaloftheday.[26][25][27] On his return, he was offered and signed a three-year contract.[28] Gardner returned to Forest for the second half of the 2015–16 season, scoring twice from 22 appearances.[29][30]

Return to Villa and more loans

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After Villa's relegation from the Premier League, Gardner became a regular member of their first-team squad. He made 26 Championship appearances for the club in the 2016–17 season, and scored his first senior goal for Villa on 30 October to open the scoring against local rivals Birmingham City. According to BBC Sport's reporter, he "ran the length of the field to celebrate with 1,988 away fans after superbly heading the visitors in front", but the match ended as a 1–1 draw.[31][32] The arrival of several midfielders pushed him out of contention for the first team, and at the end of August 2017 he joined Championship club Barnsley on loan for the remainder of the 2017–18 season.[33] He made 29 league appearances and scored twice, in a 3–2 win against Sheffield United on 7 April and a 2–2 draw with Bolton Wanderers a week later, as Barnsley were unable to avoid relegation.[34][35]

Gardner joined yet another Championship club, Birmingham City, on 9 August 2018 on loan for the 2018–19 season.[36] He made his debut in the starting eleven for the 2–0 defeat away to Reading in the EFL Cup first round,[37] and retained his place for the rest of the season. He missed only four matches: those against his parent club, for which he was ineligible – Birmingham did ask Villa if they would allow him to participate, but manager Garry Monk said it was "a short conversation"[38] – the 3–3 draw with Hull City in November for which he was suspended,[39][40] and the final match of the season, when several first-team regulars were left out.[41]

Birmingham City

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Gardner signed a three-year contract with Birmingham City on 5 June 2019. On the same day, Jota moved in the opposite direction; the fees were undisclosed.[42] He was released at the end of the 2023–24 season.[43]

Cambridge United

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Gardner signed a two-year deal with EFL League One club Cambridge United on 14 July 2024.[44] After injuries meant he was unable to make a debut for the club, he left by mutual agreement on 8 May 2025.[45][46]

International career

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Gardner has played for England at numerous international levels, including under-17s, under-18s, under-20s and the under-21s.

On 10 November 2011, Gardner came on as a substitute, replacing Jason Lowe in the 62nd minute, and scored his first two goals for the England under-21s against Iceland under-21s.[47]

Personal life

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Gardner is the brother of fellow professional footballer Craig Gardner, also a product of the Aston Villa youth system. The siblings contribute funds to a boxing gym in their home town of Birmingham, which was featured on an episode of Soccer AM in 2011.[48]

Career statistics

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As of end of 2024–25 season
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other[a] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Aston Villa 2011–12[16] Premier League 14 0 2 0 0 0 16 0
2012–13[19] Premier League 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
2016–17[32] Championship 26 1 0 0 1 0 27 1
2017–18[34] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
Total 42 1 2 0 2 0 46 1
Coventry City (loan) 2011–12[16] Championship 4 1 0 0 0 0 4 1
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2013–14[21] Championship 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 0
Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 2014–15[25] Championship 17 2 0 0 3 0 20 2
Nottingham Forest (loan) 2014–15[25] Championship 18 4 0 0 0 0 18 4
2015–16[30] Championship 20 2 2 0 0 0 22 2
Total 38 6 2 0 0 0 40 6
Barnsley (loan) 2017–18[34] Championship 29 2 1 0 30 2
Birmingham City (loan) 2018–19[40] Championship 40 2 1 0 1 0 42 2
Birmingham City 2019–20[49] Championship 35 4 4 0 0 0 39 4
2020–21[50] Championship 37 2 0 0 0 0 37 2
2021–22[51] Championship 35 6 1 0 0 0 36 6
2022–23[52] Championship 8 0 2 0 0 0 10 0
2023–24[53] Championship 16 1 2 0 2 0 20 1
Total 171 15 10 0 3 0 184 15
Cambridge United 2023–24[54] League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career total 304 27 16 0 8 0 0 0 328 27
  1. ^ Includes EFL Trophy

Honours

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Individual

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Gary Gardner (born 29 June 1992) is an English former professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder. Born in Solihull, West Midlands, Gardner is the younger brother of Craig Gardner, a former professional footballer and current director of football at EFL League One club Birmingham City. He stands at 1.86 meters tall and developed his early skills in the Aston Villa youth academy, joining their under-18 side in 2008 before advancing through the ranks. Gardner represented England at various youth international levels, earning five caps for the under-21 team (including two goals in European Championship qualifiers), two appearances at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and further outings with the under-19 and under-17 squads. Gardner's senior career began with Aston Villa, where he made his professional debut in a 3–2 victory over Hereford United on 23 August 2011, followed by a brief loan spell at City later that year. He accumulated 46 appearances for Villa's first team between 2011 and 2018, primarily in the , but was often loaned out to gain experience, including stints at Sheffield Wednesday (2014), Brighton & Hove Albion (2014 and 2015), Nottingham Forest (2015 and 2016), and (2017). In July 2018, after being released by Villa, he joined hometown club Birmingham City on a free transfer, where he spent six seasons and made over 150 appearances in the , captaining the side on occasion and contributing 15 goals in total. Following Birmingham's relegation to in 2024, Gardner signed a two-year deal with side United in July 2024 but did not make a single competitive appearance due to injury. His contract was mutually terminated in May 2025, leaving him as a as of November 2025. Over his professional career, Gardner has amassed 329 senior appearances and 28 goals across all competitions.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Gary Gardner was born on 29 June 1992 in Solihull, West Midlands. He grew up in the West Midlands region, particularly in the Birmingham area. Gardner attended Cockshut Hill School in Yardley, Birmingham. His family's deep connection to football, exemplified by his older brother Craig Gardner—a former professional midfielder—further encouraged his development during these formative years.

Youth career

Gary Gardner joined Aston Villa's academy in 2005 at the age of 13, beginning his development as a within one of England's premier youth systems. His early years at the club were marked by steady progression through the age-group teams, where he demonstrated technical skill and tactical awareness that positioned him as a promising talent. By his mid-teens, Gardner had advanced to the under-18 squad in and begun featuring for the , contributing goals and assists in competitive fixtures that highlighted his growing influence. However, this rapid ascent was interrupted in December 2009 when he suffered a severe (ACL) injury to his knee during a youth match, sidelining him and halting his momentum at a critical stage. The injury required extensive rehabilitation, with Gardner returning to action approximately nine months later. Upon recovery, Gardner reintegrated into the academy structure, becoming an integral member of both the under-18 and reserve teams by 2010–11, where he rebuilt his form and reasserted his potential as a future first-team prospect. This phase underscored the challenges of youth development, as the setback tested his determination but ultimately contributed to a more mature approach to his training and performances.

Senior club career

Aston Villa

Gary Gardner made his senior debut for Aston Villa on 31 December 2011, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute of a 3-1 victory away to Chelsea. The 19-year-old midfielder replaced and contributed to the team's defensive efforts in the closing stages, helping secure goals from Ciarán Clark and after had equalized earlier. This appearance marked Gardner's breakthrough from the club's academy into the first team under manager , following a successful loan spell at Coventry City earlier that season. Over the next eight years, Gardner accumulated 46 appearances for Aston Villa's first team across all competitions, scoring one goal. His sole goal came on 30 October 2016 in a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City, where he opened the scoring with a header from a corner in the 19th minute. Primarily deployed as a central , Gardner was valued for his combative style, tackling ability, and work rate, often providing energy in defensive transitions. However, his opportunities were limited by intense competition for midfield places from established players like , Ashley Westwood, and later , as well as recurring injuries that hampered his consistency. A prior anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in December 2009 during his youth career had already delayed his progression, requiring a 12-month recovery that affected his early senior integration. Further setbacks, including another ACL tear in August 2012 while playing for the under-21s, restricted him to just two appearances in the 2012-13 season and led to multiple loan moves to regain form. Despite these challenges, Gardner featured more regularly in the 2016-17 campaign, making 26 league appearances as pushed for promotion under and . His role evolved into that of a squad player, offering versatility in a holding position but struggling to secure a consistent starting berth amid the club's squad depth.

Loan spells

Gardner's professional career began with a brief loan to Coventry City in November 2011, where he joined the League One side for an initial one-month spell to gain first-team experience. During his time there, he made four appearances and scored one goal, marking his senior scoring debut just nine minutes into his first match against Brighton & Hove Albion. The loan was cut short in December 2011 when Aston Villa recalled him, limiting his overall contribution but providing valuable exposure in a competitive environment. In February 2014, Gardner embarked on a one-month to club Sheffield Wednesday, aimed at building his match fitness after limited opportunities at . He featured in three league matches without scoring, starting twice and offering midfield solidity in a side battling relegation pressures. The short stint concluded in March 2014, serving primarily as a stepping stone for his development without significant goal involvement. Gardner's next move came in August 2014 with a loan to Brighton & Hove Albion until January 2015, where he integrated into the promotion contenders. Over the period, he made 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals, including a notable strike in a 2-0 win over that highlighted his attacking threat from midfield. His performances contributed to Brighton's solid mid-table position, with Gardner praised for his work rate and versatility in both defensive and forward roles before returning to . Seeking consistent playing time, Gardner joined Nottingham Forest on loan in January 2015 for the remainder of the season, followed by a second spell in January 2016 under new management. Across the two loans, he accumulated 38 appearances and six goals, with standout moments including a long-range wonder goal against in 2015 that earned Goal of the Day honors. His contributions helped stabilize Forest's midfield during turbulent campaigns, where he adapted to high-pressing styles and provided key assists, though the team finished mid-table both times. In August 2017, Gardner moved to on a season-long loan to outfit , focusing on regular starts in a relegation fight. He appeared in 29 league matches, scoring two goals, and played a role in the team's survival with disciplined performances that included effective tackling and set-piece delivery. Despite 's precarious position, Gardner's experience from Villa's academy helped mentor younger players, contributing to a late-season upturn that secured their status. Gardner's final loan from Aston Villa was to local rivals Birmingham City in August 2018 for the 2018–19 season, a move that tested his adaptability given the intense atmosphere. He made 40 appearances and scored two goals, quickly adjusting to the club's culture despite his Villa roots, and became a regular in midfield under manager . His loan proved pivotal in Birmingham's push for , with Gardner noting the rivalry's intensity but emphasizing his focus on performance and team success.

Birmingham City

In June 2019, Gary Gardner joined Birmingham City on a permanent three-year contract from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, as part of a swap deal that saw Jota move in the opposite direction. This transfer followed a successful loan spell at the club during the 2018–19 season, where he had already demonstrated familiarity with the team and the Championship level. Gardner signed as a central midfielder, bringing defensive solidity and goal-scoring threat from midfield to bolster Birmingham's squad under manager Garry Monk. During his permanent tenure from 2019 to 2024, Gardner established himself as a consistent starter in the , making 142 appearances and scoring 13 goals across all competitions. In the –20 season, he featured in 35 matches, netting four goals, including crucial strikes that contributed to Birmingham's mid-table stability amid a competitive league campaign. His role evolved into a key defensive anchor by 2020–21, where he started 37 league games, providing tactical discipline and interceptions that helped the team avoid relegation, finishing 19th. Gardner's peak came in 2021–22, with six goals from 35 starts, including long-range efforts that underscored his set-piece prowess and aided Birmingham's push toward the play-off spots before a late-season dip. Subsequent seasons saw Gardner's involvement decrease due to injuries and squad rotations, limiting him to eight Championship appearances in 2022–23 and 16 in 2023–24, though he remained a squad player offering experience in midfield transitions. Overall, his contributions emphasized team stability, with over 100 starts in the providing leadership and reliability during periods of managerial changes and inconsistent form. Gardner's contract expired at the end of the 2023–24 season, leading to his release in May 2024 following Birmingham's relegation to . The decision aligned with a broader squad overhaul under new ownership, which saw multiple veteran players depart to facilitate a rebuild focused on younger talent and promotion ambitions.

Cambridge United

In July 2024, Gary Gardner signed a two-year contract with club Cambridge United as a , reuniting with head coach from their time together at Birmingham City. The 32-year-old joined the squad during a pre-season in , bringing experience from over 200 senior appearances across the and . Despite high expectations, Gardner made zero first-team appearances for United due to persistent issues that began shortly after his arrival. He was initially sidelined by an sustained in pre-season, which delayed his integration into the team, and his recovery was further hampered by a subsequent problem. These setbacks echoed a broader history from his earlier career at Aston Villa and Birmingham City, where recurring problems had limited his playing time in recent seasons. Gardner remained on the club's books through the 2024–25 season but was unable to feature in any competitive matches, including league games or cup ties. On 8 May 2025, Cambridge United confirmed his departure by mutual consent, with the club stating that things had not worked out as hoped amid ongoing recovery challenges. Director of Football Mark Bonner praised Gardner's professionalism during his time at the club, despite the unfulfilled potential.

2025–present

Following his departure from Cambridge United by mutual consent in May 2025, without making a single appearance for the club, Gary Gardner became a free agent. As of November 2025, Gardner remains unsigned by any club, with no public reports of trials, contract offers, or official announcements regarding his next move. His prolonged absence from competitive football aligns with a career overshadowed by recurrent injuries, including a major anterior cruciate ligament tear in 2012–13 that sidelined him for 253 days and various ankle and back issues totaling over 170 additional days missed across seasons. These injuries have cumulatively limited Gardner's playing time and consistency, preventing sustained first-team involvement in recent years and contributing to his current free-agent status at age 33. Despite showing promise as a central earlier in his career, the physical toll has curtailed opportunities for revival at the professional level.

International career

Youth international career

Gardner began his international career with 's youth teams in 2007, progressing through various age groups up to the under-21 level. He also earned caps for the under-18 team. He earned six caps for the under-17 team between 2007 and 2009, appearing in matches during qualification for the , though he did not score any goals. In late 2009, Gardner moved up to the under-19 squad, making two appearances and scoring once, including the second goal in a 2-1 friendly win against on 17 November at . That same year, he received two call-ups to the England under-20 team for the in , where he featured without finding the net. Gardner's youth international highlight came at under-21 level, where he accumulated five caps and two goals from to 2013 under manager . His debut on 10 November was particularly memorable, as he scored a late brace in a 5-0 qualifying victory over at the Weston Homes Stadium. The goals—a curled 20-yard free-kick and a low driven shot—sealed the rout after England led 3-0.

Senior international career

Despite showing promise in England's youth international setups, Gary Gardner never earned a senior cap for the Three Lions throughout his professional career. His international prospects were derailed primarily by a series of persistent injuries that hampered his development and consistency at club level. Gardner suffered his first (ACL) tear in December 2009 while playing for Aston Villa, sidelining him for nearly a year and interrupting his breakthrough season. This was followed by a second ACL injury in August 2012 during an under-21s match against Stoke City for Aston Villa, which kept him out for another eight months and stalled his momentum just as he was gaining attention from national team scouts. These injuries contributed to limited first-team starts across his career, particularly during his peak eligibility years in the early to mid-2010s, when consistent club form is crucial for senior international recognition. Gardner made only sporadic appearances for Aston Villa—totaling 5 starts between 2011 and 2013—before moving to loans and lower divisions, where visibility to selectors diminishes significantly. Further setbacks, including ankle sprains, issues, and an Achilles injury as recently as 2024, prevented him from establishing the sustained high-level performances needed to break into the senior squad. Compounding these challenges was the intense competition in England's midfield during the 2010s, a period dominated by established stars like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Jordan Henderson, and Jack Wilshere, alongside emerging talents such as Ross Barkley and Dele Alli who secured call-ups through regular top-flight exposure. Gardner's youth-level successes positioned him as a potential contender around 2011, but the combination of injury absences and irregular club minutes ultimately closed the door on senior opportunities.

Personal life

Family

Gary Gardner was born into a football-oriented family in the West Midlands, England, where the sport has deep regional roots that profoundly shaped his early life and career aspirations. His parents, Gary Sr. and Sharon, fostered an environment centered on athletic development, with both sons pursuing professional paths in the game from a young age. Gardner's older brother, , six years his senior, is a former professional footballer who also progressed through Aston Villa's academy before playing for clubs including Birmingham City and . Gardner is one of six brothers, with the others being Richard, Terry, Mark, and Paul. The siblings' shared passion for football, rooted in their West Midlands upbringing, created a competitive yet supportive dynamic that influenced Gary's drive to excel in the sport.

Other interests

Beyond his professional football career, Gary Gardner has been actively involved in charitable initiatives focused on community support and health awareness. As a patron of Saving Lives UK, a charity dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for individuals living with in the , Gardner uses his platform to promote the organization's mission, highlighting that over 110,000 people in the UK are affected by the condition. In 2018, Gardner participated in a lunch event organized by the Geoff Horsfield Foundation at Birmingham City's St. Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium, where he served meals, interacted with attendees, and signed autographs alongside teammates to assist homeless individuals and those facing drug and alcohol challenges. The foundation, established by former footballer Geoff Horsfield, aims to create drop-in centers and provide direct aid, and Gardner expressed enthusiasm for the effort, stating it aligned with footballers' desires to give back to the community. Gardner's community engagements reflect a commitment to local outreach, particularly in Birmingham, where he has supported programs inspiring youth through positive role models, though specific details on ongoing involvements as of 2025 remain limited in public records.

Career statistics and achievements

Club statistics

Gary Gardner made 304 appearances and scored 27 goals in domestic league competitions across his club career. These figures encompass his time at Aston Villa, various loan spells, Birmingham City, and a brief stint at Cambridge United, where he registered no league appearances due to . The following table provides a breakdown of his league statistics by club:
ClubAppearancesGoals
Aston Villa421
Coventry City (loan)41
Sheffield Wednesday (loan)30
172
386
292
Birmingham City17115
Cambridge United00
Total30427
In addition to league matches, Gardner accumulated 25 appearances in domestic cup competitions ( and ), scoring 1 goal. His cup involvement was concentrated during spells at Aston Villa and Birmingham City, with notable contributions including 4 appearances in the for Birmingham City and 1 in the for Aston Villa. No playoff appearances were recorded in his career.

International statistics

Gary Gardner represented at youth international levels from U17 to U21 but earned no senior caps. His appearances and goals across these levels are summarized in the following table:
Youth LevelAppearancesGoals
U1760
U1921
U2020
U2152
Total153
A highlight of his U21 career was his debut on 10 November 2011 against , where he entered as a substitute and scored twice in a 5-0 qualifying win for the .

Honours

Throughout his professional career, Gary Gardner has not secured any major team honours at club or international level. His tenure with Aston Villa, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Birmingham City primarily occurred in the English Championship and lower divisions, where competitive opportunities for significant trophies such as league titles or major cup competitions are inherently limited compared to top-flight football. Despite the absence of collective silverware, Gardner earned individual recognition for his performances. In the 2021–22 season, he was voted Birmingham City's Players' Player of the Season by his teammates, highlighting his consistent contributions in midfield during a challenging campaign that saw the club finish 16th in the . Near-misses in postseason play further underscore the unfulfilled potential in his career trajectory. His loans and stints at other clubs often coincided with mid-table finishes rather than promotion battles or deep cup runs.

References

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