Ross Gardner

About

Former midfielder known for playing for England's national squad in the 2002 UEFA European U17 Football Championship. During his career, which lasted from 2003 to 2012, he played for teams such as Port Vale, Ilkeston Town, Shildon, and Eastwood Town Football Clubs. He made headlines in 2019 after former coach Peter Beardsley left his position following a racism and bullying investigation, as his claims of Beardsley's unacceptable behavior had gone unvalidated 16 years prior.

Before Fame

Throughout his youth career, he played for academies such as Nissan, Whitburn & Cleadon, Stella Maris, and Newcastle United. He made his professional debut in the 2003, playing for the Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Trivia

He helped Eastwood Town win the Northern Premier Division in the 2008-09 season, leading to their promotion into the Conference North. 

Family Life

His parents made up 1 of 7 families who expressed their concerns about Beardsley's abusive treatment of their sons in 2002. When personal struggles with gambling and addiction seemed to take hold, he ended his relationship with his parents, partner, and daughter for a time until he recovered.  

Associated With

He was named in the England national squad for the 2002 UEFA European U17 Football Championship, where he played alongside fellow England national squad teammates Wayne Rooney and Wayne Routledge.