JOE GARDINER

Full Name: Joseph B. Gardiner

Born: 23 August 1916

Came from: Wolverhampton Wanderers   Went to: Wolverhampton Wanderers

First game: 31 March 1945   Last game: 29 December 1945

Appearances: 11 (11/0)   Goals: 0

Although the Second World War was at an end, the Football League divided its competition into regional sections for the 1945-46 season because of the exceptional conditions at that time, with so many players still serving in the Armed Forces or employed on essential war work. Argyle played in the Football League South that season, against first-class opposition such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Aston Villa and Wolves. It proved impossible for the Pilgrims to field a regular side; 72 players made an appearance and performances inevitably suffered. From week to week the club called on Armed Services players who were stationed in the area, guest players from other League clubs and local amateurs to supplement its registered playing staff.

Gardiner was one of 27 in the guest category. Born in Bearpark, just west of Durham, he grew up in the Langley Park area of Newcastle, which had also produced Bobby Robson. The defender had played for Durham County Boys when he was spotted by Wolverhampton Wanderers, for whom he signed in December 1932. He made his debut in February 1935 in a 5-2 defeat at Black Country rivals West Bromwich Albion. He went on to pick up an FA Cup runners-up medal in the 1939 final after defeat to Portsmouth.

He remained on the books at Molineux but guested for several clubs, a local stationing no doubt helping bring him to the attention of Argyle. He announced his retirement from playing in March 1944, but 12 months later was lured back to play for Argyle in the Football League West Cup, followed by appearances in the first half of the 1945-46 Football League South campaign. His first match in green that season, a remarkable 5-5 draw away at Southampton, was followed by no wins in eight matches for the club.

With age now against him, he chose not to continue his career once the war was over, so finishing with 124 appearances for his only League club. He was immediately elevated to the backroom staff at Wolves and became a highly respected trainer under Stan Cullis as the Midlands side became one of the most feared in Europe, winning three championships and two FA Cups. The two struck up a good working relationship and when Cullis took charge of Birmingham City in 1965, Gardiner joined him, although later returned to Molineux in 1969 as a scout. In all he spent almost a half a century associated with Wolves and is credited with discovering one of their greatest players, the forward John Richards.