Cambridge sign ex-Blues and Villa midfielder Gardner

Gary Gardner featured 20 times for Birmingham in the 2023-24 season

Cambridge United have signed former Birmingham City and Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old was a free agent following his release by Blues in May after their relegation to League One.

He made 184 appearances for Birmingham after initially joining them on loan from fierce rivals Villa in the summer of 2018.

The move to Cambridge reunites him with boss Garry Monk, who was manager when Gardner signed six years ago.

"Working with the manager again was a big thing for me - I know what he can get out of me and I know what he can do for the team," Gardner told Cambridge United's website.

Gardner's elder brother Craig, who also played for both second city clubs, is still Blues technical director.