Gary Gardner agrees two-year deal with Cambridge United

Cambridge United have announced the signing of 32-year-old midfielder Gary Gardner. Gardner joins the U’s on a two-year contract after spending the last five years with Birmingham City.

Gary Gardner began his career at Aston Villa Academy, progressing to the first team and spending nine years as a senior player. During his tenure at Villa, he had several loan spells with different clubs. A one-year loan at Birmingham City under Garry Monk proved pivotal, leading to a permanent move to the club the following summer.

Reuniting with Head Coach Garry Monk, Gardner expressed his excitement about the new chapter in his career.

"It’s a fresh start for me, and I am really looking forward to getting started," he stated.

"Working with the manager again was a big thing for me - I know what he can get out of me and 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."

Garry Monk shared his enthusiasm about the new addition to the squad.

"Gary is a signing that has real pedigree, and I am delighted to welcome him to the club," Monk said.

"He brings excellent quality as a player and as a character 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."

Gardner will join the team in Portugal for this week's training camp as he begins his journey with Cambridge United.