Radcliffe FC are delighted to announce the signing of centre-midfielder Dan Gardner, who joins on a one-year deal with an option at the Neuven Stadium.
Our new number 18 bolsters our squad with experience, eagerness and a nonchalant persona in the centre of the park, after playing his part in Oldham Athletic’s return to the Football League via the play-off final at the start of the month.
The 35-year-old began his career with Scottish giants Celtic, making a handful of appearances before departing the Bhoys and returning to England, originally hailing from Gorton, to join Crewe Alexandra in League Two.
A prolific spell with Droylsden followed in the next two seasons, earning himself a move to FC Halifax Town where he was once again amongst the goals, scoring in a third of his appearances to rise even further up the leagues to England’s third tier with Chesterfield.
Gardner’s three-year stint with the Spirites included time out on loan at Prenton Park with Tranmere Rovers, and local neighbours Bury shortly after. Despite this however, the veteran still managed to convert on ten occasions in almost a century of outings in blue and white, including several impressive strikes to continue to show his scoring prowess from midfield.
In the summer of 2017, Oldham Athletic acquired Gardner’s services ahead of the 123rd season in their history and 21st consecutive campaign in League One, staying at Boundary Park for two years before heading to the other side of Manchester to put pen-to-paper with Wigan Athletic.
After making the most appearances of any outfield player in the Latics squad, Doncaster Rovers came calling and he transferred to South Yorkshire on a one-year contract, and returned to Oldham in 2022 where he played for a further three seasons, now arriving at Radcliffe under the management of Bernard and Jonno.
Our new recruit becomes our fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Jon Taylor, Michael Afuye, Rio Clegg and Callum McFadzean, and is aiming to create memories in the National League North next season.
Speaking about his move to the Boro, Gardner said: ‘I’m buzzing to get it done, it happened quite quickly after speaking with Billy, Bernard and Jonno, I can’t wait to get started. I know some of the players already, I’ve played with Lois before and I know Jordan and Bally, also new signings like Jon and Callum so I’ve seen the players the club have been bringing in, I knew it was a good place to be.
I’ve been really impressed when I’ve seen Radcliffe in the past and there’s a good group here with the managers, people I know speak highly of them and I want to work with people like that who want to do well. I want us to finish as high as we can in the league and we need the supporters to get out in their numbers, hopefully we can give them a season to remember.’
Welcome to the Neuven Stadium, Dan!
Dan has signed on for the 2025/26 campaign, now it’s your turn – back the Boro by purchasing your season ticket online here!
