Creative Gardner on radar

DAN GARDNER . . . "very good player"

ATHLETIC could make a move for Dan Gardner, as manager John Sheridan revealed he wants to add a pair of new midfielders and two more strikers to his squad.

Creative midfield man Gardner (27), a former Celtic trainee who comes from Gorton, turned down the chance to sign an extension to his Chesterfield contract when they were relegated to Sky Bet League Two at the end of this season.

Sheridan, who has spoken to two potential signings over the past week, says he has not yet made contact with a player he admires.

"He's a player I like and who I have tried to get on other occasions," Sheridan said.

"I haven't spoken to him. I know he is available and technically he's a very good player.

"But there are lots of players I like. If I feel I have a chance of getting them, I will go for them."

Gardner played 38 times for the Spireites this season, scoring twice.

WAVES

The former Halifax man made waves at non-league level alongside current Millwall front man Lee Gregory before moving to Chesterfield in January, 2014.

He helped the club reach the play-offs in his first season and has since been a mainstay in League One.

Gardner was sent off in the final game at Sheffield United and is suspended for the first three games of 2017-18.

A creative presence in midfield, he was offered a new deal on reduced terms to stay on at the Proact Stadium, but instead is seeking a move.

"I had an unbelievable 4 years at Chesterfield they made my career in professional football. I hope they get promoted back where they belong," the player stated on Twitter.

Sheridan's shopping list includes six new players, in addition to the five he hopes will extend their current deals.

"I have a list of players I would like to bring in, whether they are loans or players I could sign," Sheridan said.

"I would like a couple of strikers, a left-back, a couple of midfielders and a goalkeeper. A lot of clubs will want the same and players will probably speak to four or five clubs.

"If you can, you have to make the right sounds and sell yourself as well as you can. You try your best and sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't."

ATHLETIC'S third pre-season clash of the summer has been confirmed.

The club will travel to face Accrington Stanley on Saturday, July 22 (3pm).