Craig Gardner’s 35 transfer hits and misses as Birmingham City are relegated

Nearly three years ago, Craig Gardner was given the keys to Birmingham City’s dilapidated castle, which was met with astonishment. The former Blues player and coach appeared to lack the necessary experience to be appointed technical director of a Championship football club, and the move appeared to be another ill-advised decision by the previous owners.

Despite external commotion, Gardner took the post seriously and focused on fixing Blues’ Financial Fair Play issues. He added assets to a roster known for expensive players with lengthy careers. Gardner has remained publicly silent since his initial interviews, which were followed a few months later by a meeting with fan organisations and journalists.

Despite working behind the scenes, he was able to benefit from Tom Wagner’s takeover last summer. He was also assigned the task of expanding his recruitment staff with the inclusion of Frank McParland and Joe Carnall.

Gardner would very likely claim that much of his time has been spent on much more than transfers; in fact, he was essential in bringing the takeover to fruition. But it is the most visible of yardsticks by which he is regularly assessed, especially since last summer’s transfer optimism resulted in relegation.Fingers have again been pointed.

So we look at the 30-plus deals he has overseen over the course of his six years in the role, as well as his success rate.