Gardner determined not to suffer another relegation

He’s been through the devastating football blow before, so Athletic midfielder Dan Gardner is determined not to suffer relegation again with his current club this season.

Gardner (28) was with Chesterfield last season as they dropped from Sky Bet League One to League Two.

He’s in another dogfight this term with Athletic, with his current team just a point clear of the relegation places ahead of tomorrow’s trip to drop rivals Wimbledon.  

Asked about his one previous bout of relegation, Gardner said: “It was a horrible time and it’s something that no player ever wants to experience.

“But we are here, and I know what it’s like to be relegated.

“I never want that on my cv again, and I don’t want any of the other lads to have it on theirs either.

“For me personally I never want to get relegated again.

“It really is a horrible feeling, and I’ll be doing everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“The other lads are the same.”

Despite Athletic’s precarious position in the standings, Gardner insists that confidence remains high in the camp.

“Everybody is upbeat in the dressing room and we know the ability that is in there,” added the hard-working schemer.

“If we use that ability on Saturday and during the remaining games, then we should be okay.

“We’re doing everything we can to get a couple of wins – that’s the management team and the lads of course.

“Wimbledon will be tough again, probably a lot like the Rochdale game.

“There wasn’t much football played from our side in that one, so hopefully it’s a more football-based game tomorrow.

“They’re fighting for their lives too, so it could be another horrible game, but we all need to step up and get the points.”

Gardner is renowned for putting everything into his all-action performances in the Athletic engine room, but 45 appearances so far this term appear to be taking their toll somewhat.

“I’m on my back basically,” added Gardner.

“But there’s no excuses from me. I’ve just got to get through these final four games now.

“My momentum is high actually going into games – that’s just driving me on.

“I’ll be fine for these last four games.

“I’ve never been the type of player who runs around all game, but I know that needs to be done now.

“You’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do and hopefully we’ll get the points we need.”