Craig Gardner has left his position as director of football at Birmingham City.
The former midfielder, who had two permanent spells with Blues during his playing career, had held the role since February 2025.
Prior to that, the 39-year-old had been the club’s technical director for three and a half years and had been a key part in finalising current owners Knighthead Capital’s takeover in July 2023.
Gardner, who also played for Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion, first returned to Birmingham in a coaching capacity in 2019 and had a short spell in interim charge at the end of that season following the departure of Pep Clotet.
After a short stint at Sheffield Wednesday, Gardner returned to St Andrew’s in January 2021 before stepping up to his first senior administrative position that summer.
As director of football, Gardner had been responsible for “building a more unified approach, a consistent club playing identity and philosophy” for the men’s first team and establishing a “seamless process” for the club’s academy players to progress to the first team.
Under Gardner, Blues sealed their record-breaking promotion from League One in 2024-25 before going on to finish 10th last season back in the Championship, nine points off the play-off places.
“It’s been an honour for me to represent Birmingham city in multiple capacities,” Gardner told the club website.
“I’ve worked tirelessly to put the club back in a position for Premier League football and I believe that is not far away.
“I’d like to thank the club and Knighthead for their support and I’m excited to see the journey continue.
“To the fans, you have been a huge part as to why I’ve been here, you inspire us all and I thank you so much. I now look forward to some time with my family and then to joining you as a fan in the stadium.”
