I think kind message like these are the least that he deserves when you think about it.
Having been an incredible servant to the club, racking up 125 appearances over the years, it’s time for him to move on to the next part of his career, and judging by the reaction of the fans, it seems as if he’s going to be sorely missed on the field, but with plenty still cheering him on in his new role.
I’m talking of course about Craig Gardner.
The 33-year-old midfielder announced last year that he was going to be taking a step back from the pitch and move into the backroom at the end of the season, and he looks to have gotten a head start on that new line of work when the players returned to training these past few weeks.
Speaking to the club, he reflected on his playing times and what the next stage of his life is going to bring.
“I’ve loved every single second of my career. I can’t wait for my new journey in coaching.”
Which Gardner has been the better Blue?
Gary
Craig
Comments which brought a few responses from Bluenoses on social media, all of them positive as they wished him well in his new venture.
#ThankYou Gards 👏 https://t.co/K4h0Fq5kMQ
— Oliver Newman (@brummieol) June 7, 2020
— Stuart King (@stuking452) June 7, 2020
Good luck Craig in your new coaching role. Let's hope one day you will lead the Blues out at Wembley. KRO 🇬🇧
— Jason Healy (@jashealy) June 7, 2020
Gardner fan, player, coach, manager and legend 💙
— Michael Stanley (@toffon10) June 7, 2020
Bring us to the premier league 💙
— Michael Stanley (@toffon10) June 7, 2020
What about you? What are you going to remember most about Gardner’s career?