How is Gary Gardner faring after Birmingham City exit?
11/06/2024 09:15 AM
Birmingham City cut ties with Gary Gardner at the end of last season following their relegation from the Championship.
Birmingham City decided to part company with the midfielder when his contract expired this past summer. He officially became a free agent in late June and subsequently weighed up his options.
Gardner, 32, joined the Midlands outfit on loan back in 2018 and his move was made permanent 12 months later. He went on to make 184 appearances in all competitions, 20 of which came in the last campaign, and he chipped in with 15 goals.
He was snapped up by fellow League One side Cambridge United in mid-July after leaving St Andrews. He now works under ex-Blues boss Gary Monk at the Abbey Stadium.
How is Gary Gardner faring after Birmingham City exit?
Gardner was handed a two-year contract running until 2026 by the U’s and joined them with the hope of getting regular football.
However, he hasn’t played for Monk’s men in the league yet this season due to injury.
He is still awaiting his debut and isn’t being rushed back in yet by Cambridge United as they wait for the right opportunity to play him.
After joining them, he told their official club website: “It’s a fresh start for me and I am really looking forward to getting started.
“Working with the Manager again was a big thing for me – I know what he can get out of me and I know what he can do for the team. After speaking to him, Ben and Michael Morrison about the Club, it seems like a really exciting time to be joining and I am looking forward to playing my part in that.”
Meanwhile, Monk added: “Gary is a signing that has real pedigree and I am delighted to welcome him to the Club.
“He brings excellent quality as a player but also as a character to add to the dressing room. He is a superb addition to the squad and will help us grow as a team over the coming season and beyond. I am really looking forward to working with him again.”
Cambridge United have endured a tricky start to this term and are sat in 22nd place in the table as they look to avoid relegation to League Two. They are only a point from safety though and will hope Gardner can help them survive when he is fit again.
Pre-Birmingham City days
Prior to his move to Birmingham City, Gardner had spent his entire career at Aston Villa.
He played 46 times during his Villa Park days and had loan spells away at Coventry City, Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton and Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley.
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