Craig Gardner is a football player, born on November 25, 1986 in Solihull, England. He grew up in the Yardley area of Birmingham and went to Cockshut Hill Technology College to pursue his degree.
Craig Gardner made his debut for the England under-21 team in 2007 and also plays as a right-back following the retirement of Mark Delaney, even though he is basically a central midfielder.
Craig Gardner began his football career, playing for the Yardley Kings youth team before joining Aston Villa’s youth academy. He soon progressed up the ranks to the senior team and made his premiership debut for Aston Villa on December 26, 2005 in a game against Everton at Villa Park as a substitute for Steven Davis. Craig Gardner scored his first goal for the club in the 3–1 away win over Middlesbrough. In an away game against Bolton Wanderers, he scored a spectacular goal in the last day of the season, which was later in the contention for the goal of the month. Following his impressive performance at various games, Aston Villa Manager Martin O'Neil signed him for a four-year contract on August 2007, which keeps him in the club till June 2011.
Craig Gardner often played in the right back position for the club due to the lack of depth in the defense and has impressed his manager, Martin O'Neill, and captain, Gareth Barry, who believe that he could be a key player in the team for years to come.
Craig Gardner, along with his team mate Gabriel Agbonlahor, has a huge fan following among Aston Villa loyals
