Gardner steps down from his position as Birmingham’s director of football

End of an Important Chapter at St Andrew’s

Birmingham City have confirmed that Craig Gardner has stepped down from his position as director of football, bringing an end to a long and influential association with the club.

The former midfielder, who enjoyed two separate spells as a player with the Blues, had been serving as director of football since February 2025. His departure marks the conclusion of a significant period in which he helped shape the club’s football operations both on and off the pitch.

Gardner’s relationship with Birmingham City stretches back many years. Having represented the club during his playing career, he later returned in various coaching and executive roles, becoming one of the most recognisable figures behind the scenes at St Andrew’s.

Craig Gardner began his career with Aston Villa before moving to Birmingham City in January 2010 and helping the club win the League Cup in 2011

His exit comes after playing a central role in Birmingham’s recent development and their efforts to establish themselves as a strong contender for a return to the Premier League.

Progression Through the Club’s Structure

Before taking on the role of director of football, Gardner spent more than three years working as the club’s technical director.

During that period, he was heavily involved in overseeing football operations and helping to create a long-term strategy for the club. His work behind the scenes earned praise from senior figures, eventually leading to his promotion to one of the most important executive positions within the football department.

One of Gardner’s major achievements was helping facilitate the transition following Knighthead Capital’s takeover of Birmingham City in July 2023. His knowledge of the club and understanding of the football landscape proved valuable during a transformative period for the organisation.

The ownership group viewed Gardner as a key figure in helping bridge the gap between the club’s ambitions and its footballing structure.

A Career Built on Loyalty to Birmingham

Gardner’s ties to Birmingham City run much deeper than his executive responsibilities.

The former midfielder enjoyed two separate playing spells with the club and became a popular figure among supporters thanks to his commitment and determination on the field.

In addition to Birmingham, Gardner also played for rivals Aston Villa and later West Bromwich Albion, gaining extensive experience across English football.

After bringing his playing career to a close, he remained determined to stay involved in the game and quickly transitioned into coaching and football administration.

His strong connection with Birmingham made a return to the club a natural step, allowing him to continue contributing in a different capacity.

Return to Coaching and Interim Management

Gardner first returned to Birmingham City in 2019 as part of the coaching staff.

His appointment came at a time when the club was seeking stability and a clear footballing direction. He worked closely with players and coaching staff while gaining valuable experience in a professional environment.

Later that season, following the departure of manager Pep Clotet, Gardner was briefly placed in interim charge of the first team.

Although the spell was short, it provided him with an opportunity to experience the demands of senior management and further develop his understanding of football leadership.

Following a brief period away at Sheffield Wednesday, Gardner returned to Birmingham City in January 2021, once again demonstrating the strong bond he shared with the club.

Climbing Into Executive Leadership

After his return in 2021, Gardner quickly moved into a more senior football administration role.

That summer, he accepted his first major executive position within the club, taking responsibility for several important areas of football operations.

His promotion reflected the confidence that Birmingham City had in his abilities and vision.

Over the following years, Gardner became increasingly influential in shaping the club’s football strategy. He worked across multiple departments and helped ensure that decisions aligned with the club’s broader objectives.

His ability to combine football knowledge with leadership skills made him a valuable member of the executive team.

Responsibilities as Director of Football

As director of football, Gardner was tasked with overseeing a wide range of responsibilities designed to strengthen Birmingham City’s long-term future.

One of his primary goals was creating a more unified football structure throughout the club. This involved establishing a clear playing philosophy and ensuring consistency between different levels of the organisation.

Gardner also focused heavily on player development and the pathway from academy football to the senior team.

The club credited him with helping build a system that allowed young players to progress more effectively through the ranks and compete for opportunities in the first team.

Developing homegrown talent became a central part of Birmingham’s football strategy during his tenure.

Successes During His Leadership

Gardner’s period in senior leadership coincided with several positive developments for Birmingham City.

Perhaps the most notable achievement came during the 2024-25 season when the Blues secured promotion from League One in record-breaking fashion.

The successful campaign represented a major milestone for the club and highlighted the progress being made under the new ownership structure.

Following promotion, Birmingham adapted well to life back in the Championship.

During the 2025-26 campaign, the club finished in 10th place, ending the season just nine points outside the play-off positions.

While promotion was not achieved immediately, the finish demonstrated clear improvement and provided encouragement for the future.

Many supporters viewed the season as another step forward in the club’s long-term rebuilding process.

Gardner Reflects on His Time at Birmingham

Following confirmation of his departure, Gardner expressed pride in everything he had achieved during his years with Birmingham City.

He described it as a privilege to represent the club in a variety of different capacities and highlighted his commitment to helping the Blues move closer to Premier League football.

Gardner explained that he had worked relentlessly to improve the club’s position and believes Birmingham are now much closer to achieving their ultimate objective.

His comments reflected confidence in the direction the club is heading and optimism about its future prospects.

He also took the opportunity to thank everyone who had supported him throughout his journey, including the ownership group and staff members who worked alongside him.

Appreciation for the Fans

A significant part of Gardner’s farewell message was dedicated to Birmingham City supporters.

Throughout his playing and executive career, he consistently enjoyed a strong connection with the fanbase.

He acknowledged the important role supporters played during both successful and difficult periods, praising their passion and loyalty to the club.

Gardner stated that the fans had been one of the biggest reasons behind his long association with Birmingham City.

Their backing, he explained, provided inspiration and motivation throughout his various roles at St Andrew’s.

His comments underlined the emotional bond that has existed between himself and the supporters for many years.

Looking Ahead to the Future

While Gardner is leaving his executive role, he has made it clear that his connection with Birmingham City will remain strong.

For now, he intends to spend time with his family before considering the next stage of his career in football.

He also revealed that he looks forward to returning to St Andrew’s as a supporter and watching the club continue its progress from the stands.

Birmingham City now face the challenge of replacing a figure who has played a significant role in their recent development.

However, Gardner leaves with the belief that the club is moving in the right direction and is not far away from competing for a place in the Premier League once again.

His departure closes an important chapter in Birmingham City’s modern history, but his contribution to the club’s rebuilding process is likely to be remembered for years to come.