Former Aston Villa, Brighton and Nottingham Forest star reunites with ex-Birmingham City boss

Gary Gardner has landed at a League One club following his release from Birmingham City this summer.

He along with 14 other players were allowed to depart St Andrew's on a free transfer this summer after his contract wasn't extended. It brought to an end a six-year association with the club, having initially joined on loan from inter-city rivals Aston Villa in 2018.

The 32-year-old has landed on his feet however, as he has linked up with a former Blues boss at his next club. Garry Monk, the man who brought him to Birmingham, has signed him at Birmingham's League One rivals Cambridge United.

“It’s a fresh start for me and I am really looking forward to getting started,” said Gardner to the official club website.

“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.”

During his time at Birmingham City, he made a total of 184 appearances, scoring 15 goals and supplying six assists. In his final season with the club, he appeared 20 times, but only earned three starts, and was substituted in 17 times.

Garry 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.”