Ian Gardiner



Ian was signed in 1955 from East Fife and he was Bobby Ancell’s first major buy. With Motherwell he joined the elite band of players who have scored on their debut when he netted in a 2-2 draw with Celtic. He also netted a week later at Palmerston Park against Queen of the South. He hit a splendid hat trick against Airdrie early in the 1956/57 season and another, a few weeks later against Queen of the South. Standing at 5′ 11″, he was an uneasy member of the Ancell scene as his physical build made him stand apart. In November 1957, Ian gained a Scotland cap against Wales at Hampden. However, the ascendancy of the ‘Ancell babes’ and the ‘pocket dynamo’ figures, like Reid, Hunter, Quinn, Weir and St John signalled the end for Ian Gardiner and he was sold to Raith Rovers for £1,500 on 10th January 1959.

Bobby Ancell’s first major buy, Ian Gardiner joined the club in 1955 coming from East Fife.

A tall centre, he was an uneasy member of the Ancell scene as his physical build stood him apart. Ancell quickly developed a preference for small and thoughtful players whereas Gardiner was all about strength and work rate. Nevertheless, his debut proved that he had finishing ability and he went on to give the club some sterling service.

Je hit a splendid hat trick against Airdrieonians early in the 1956/57 season, and he bagged another a few weeks later against Queen of the South. Later on he would enjoy another threesome this time against Queen’s Park and his four years at Fir Park were certainly productive. If proof of his success were needed it came in November 1957 when he gained a Scotland cap against Wales at Hampden.

The ascendancy of the Ancell Babes signalled the end for Gardiner and he was sold to Raith Rovers for £2,000 on 10th January 1959. He would later serve East Fife, St Johnstone and Montrose

Name:
James Ian Gardiner
Height:
5′ 11″
Weight:
11st 6lbs
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Position:
Inside Left
Nationality:
Scottish

Football Career:

East Fife 1949 1955
Motherwell 1955 1959
Raith Rovers 1959 1960
St Johnstone 1960 1962
Montrose 1962 1963

Well Career:

Apps Goals
League:
95 48
Scottish Cup:
7 7
League Cup:
17 9
Other:
0 0
Total:
119 64