Anthony Gardner

Sheffield Wednesday He signed a two-year contract with Championship newcomers Sheffield Wednesday on 20 June 2012; manager Dave Jones said that he "is a quality player and a leader, with Championship and Premiership pedigree". He was made captain for his Wednesday debut on 13 August, in a 4–2 League Cup win over Oldham Athletic. He made 38 appearances in 2012–13, and was twice named on the Championship Team of the Week and shortlisted for the clubs player of the season.

Gardner played six matches before being ruled out for 2013–14 after requiring surgery on an Achilles rupture injury in September. He was released by new manager Stuart Gray in May 2014 and subsequently retired in from professional football in 2015.

International career A squad member of the 2000 under-21 European Championships he represented England at under-21 level, gaining one cap under David Platt in March 2002.

Gardner began to impress during 2003–04. He earned his England first call-up as cover for Gareth Southgate in a friendly against Denmark in March 2004. He won his first and only England cap against Sweden on 31 March 2004, after Sven-Göran Eriksson used him as a half-time substitute for Jonathan Woodgate.

Personal life His cousin, Jordan Fincher, took part in Sky1's Football's Next Star in 2010. He became an avid poker player after retiring from football.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Tottenham Hotspur Football League Cup runner-up: 2001–02