 He was confirmed as manager that December, and led Northwich to 7th in the Conference and to the last eight of the FA Trophy.The following season was a struggle, Northwich flirted with relegation, finally finishing 18th, and were knocked out of the FA Trophy by Runcorn in the 2nd Round.On 3 October 2000, with Northwich bottom of the Conference with only 9 points from 12 games, Gardiner was sacked, joining Leek Town as a player, making his debut in a draw at Altrincham.