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Garry KennethScottish footballer
Date of Birth: 21.06.1987
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Youth Career
- Professional Debut with Dundee United
- Loan Spells and Goal at Dundee United
- Failed Transfer and Scottish Cup Triumph
- Move to Bristol Rovers
- International Career
- Achievements
- - Scotland U19: European Championship runner-up (2006)
Early Life and Youth Career
Born in Dundee, Scotland, on June 21, 1987, Kenneth Gardner began his football journey as a supporter of local club Dundee United. In 2003, he joined the United Academy, where he honed his skills under the guidance of manager Jim McLean.
Professional Debut with Dundee United
On May 7, 2004, Gardner penned his first professional contract with United. He made his first-team debut on February 5, 2005, in a Scottish Cup match against Queen of the South. By the end of the 2004/05 season, Gardner had established himself as a regular in United's starting lineup, making 14 appearances and helping the team reach the Scottish Cup final (lost 1-0 to Celtic). On February 25, 2006, he scored his first professional goal against Dunfermline Athletic.
Loan Spells and Goal at Dundee United
Despite signing a new four-year contract with Dundee in October 2006, Gardner found playing time hard to come by in the following season. He was loaned out to Cowdenbeath in March 2007 for the remainder of the campaign, making seven appearances. Upon his return to United for the 2007/08 season, Gardner regained his starting berth and featured in the Scottish League Cup final, which United lost on penalties to Rangers.
Failed Transfer and Scottish Cup Triumph
In January 2010, English side Blackpool attempted to sign Gardner for £75,000, but Dundee rejected the offer as "derisory." A second bid of £500,000 was also unsuccessful. Later that season, Gardner helped Dundee United lift the Scottish Cup, defeating Ross County 3-0 in the final.
Move to Bristol Rovers
In November 2011, Gardner announced his intention to leave Scotland following the expiry of his United contract at the end of the season. After training with Airdrie United to maintain his fitness, he signed a three-year deal with Bristol Rovers in the English Championship on July 30, 2012. Gardner made his debut for Rovers on September 18 against Plymouth Argyle and scored his first goal on October 6 against Northampton Town.
International Career
Gardner was part of the Scotland under-19 team that reached the final of the 2006 UEFA European Championship in Poland, losing to Spain 1-0. He made two appearances for the under-20s in 2007, including one at the FIFA World Cup. Gardner also represented Scotland at under-21 level, earning eight caps. He received his first call-up to the full national team in February 2010 but did not make his debut until an exhibition match against Sweden in August.
Achievements
Club- Dundee United: Scottish Cup winner (2009/10), Scottish Cup finalist (2004/05), Scottish League Cup finalist (2007/08)
- Scotland U19: European Championship runner-up (2006)
Individual- Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Month: March 2008
