Craig Gardner has left his role as first-team coach at Birmingham City after returning to Blues in 2017 as a player.
The 33-year-old had two spells at the club, playing 109 times. At the end of the 2019-20 season, Gardner retired from playing and took up the role as first-team coach at Blues.
Adam Dee, a reporter and podcaster for ‘Blues Focus‘, the online news site for Birmingham City supporters, was surprised to see Gardner leave the club, “Once a blue always a blue, but this one definitely came out of the blue!
“He [Gardner] will always be held in high regard at Blues. I’m sure there won’t be a Blues fan that won’t wish him the best,” Adam said.
Gardner was part of the 2011 Birmingham City side that won the League Cup, their first major trophy since 1963, beating Arsenal in the final 2-1.
One goal remains fond in the memories of many a Blues supporter.
“The goal against West Ham United in the 2011 Carling Cup semi-final will live long in the memories of the St Andrew’s faithful,” said Adam.
It is now thought that Gardner will join up with newly-appointed Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis and be part of his backroom staff. Gardner played under Pulis for West Bromwich Albion.
