 Gardiner was born in Birmingham and began his career as an apprentice with Torquay United, turning professional in July 1992.He made his league debut in September the same year, coming on as a substitute for Danis Salman in a 2-0 defeat away to Bury, but left Plainmoor the following summer after making seven league appearances.He joined Shrewsbury Town but failed to make their first team, later playing for non-league side Moor Green, Stourbridge and Halesowen Town.