United Debut: v Morton (H) 2-1 29/1/72.

Signed From: Dunfermline 20/1/72.

Transferred to: Motherwell £12,000 1974.

After spells with Queen of the South, Airdrie and Raith Rovers, Gardner made a name for himself at Dunfermline, scoring 2 goals in their 3-1 win over Hearts in the 1968 Scottish Cup Final. Jim McLean signed Gardner on the same day as he signed George Fleming from Hearts as he rebuilt the United team in the early 70's, and their experience helped nurture the careers of young players like Andy Gray, Graeme Payne and Dave Narey as they broke into the first team. In his first full season in 1972/73, Gardner formed an impressive strike force with Kenny Cameron, and was United's top scorer with 15 goals. A striker with a thunderous shot, Gardner's 35 yard goal against Hearts earned United a replay in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup in 1974, and went on to play in the Final against Celtic. In October the following season, Gardner was transferred to Motherwell.

Scottish Cup Final 1974

7 Appearances 3 Goals